Recycle Political Yard Signs, and Attitudes

While perusing Facebook tonight, I learned our city is offering recycling for political signs. That got me thinking, what else could I drop off in exchange for a healthier environment?

This election season was heated. I live in a swing-state, which is really just a sling-state, and the stuff that gets thrown around isn't of the kindest variety. I'm all for lively discussion when there is a foundation of respect between debaters. I'm also a free speech junkie. But there is another sort of expression that cuts deeply, and the severing of relationships may occur. A good indication that I'm in this sort of discussion is when I find myself saying the same thing over and over. Passion based on subjectivism can boil over quickly, and often I'm not hearing anything other than the blood rushing to my ears.

I try to avoid confrontation, but I do understand the importance of taking a stand, and trying to make a difference in the world. I would never encourage anyone to stay silent in the face of adversity, but I do feel that if I really want to make a difference, I need to start by taking the temperature of my own heart. What really matters?

I'm recycling my political passion of the last several months, hoping I can turn it into something more useful, something that leads to healing. My mouthpiece might make a good earpiece. I'm dropping off my preconceived ideas and picking up an open mind. It's time to reconnect with people based on what we have in common, and set aside my own need to be right.

I love this quote my friend posted today. Her blog is here- From Playgrounds To Politics