Well, I usually like to talk about posture on Tuesdays, but since it’s Election Day here in America, I want to talk about another way of STANDING TALL.
As we know, Standing Tall can mean standing with an upright, erect posture, shoulders back and head held high. But, what is the mindset behind this posture?
Today, of all days, is a good time to remind ourselves to STAND TALL in who we each are as individuals. WE each are amazing creations who deserve dignity, love and compassion. Standing Tall in who we are to the core – our beliefs, views, opinions, likes and dislikes, etc., – is vital to living a healthy, successful life on our own terms. We always have to be loving, respectful and accepting of others for their views, but holding to our own individual beliefs and viewpoints is a good thing. We should never cower and be afraid to express who we truly are.
The mindset of STANDING TALL is being proud of where we, as individuals, come from. We should each be grateful for our culture, our ancestry and all the experiences and influences that make us each so unique. There is no other person like YOU or ME! This mindset is very important to our health and well-being. When we are comfortable in our own skin and we stick up for ourselves, we tend to move and think better in the world. We know where we stand and we know where we draw the line. Standing Tall is all about respecting others, but also knowing we have every right to sit at the table as well.
On this Election Day, remember that each of us have our own perspectives because we each have had varying life experiences. These varied perspectives make life interesting, colorful and a great, grand adventure! Be grateful for your neighbor who thinks differently. Be grateful for the group down the street worshipping in a different way from how you practice. Can you imagine everyone thinking just alike? STANDING TALL is being grounded in who we are as individuals, but also always being open to learning and gathering perspectives from others. We can learn from all of it and practice taking what we like and gracefully and kindly backing away from what doesn’t resonate.
Today, I send out prayers for America. I pray that whether we are black or white, male or female, liberal or conservative, left or right, we will all come together as Americans. Never forget that here in America we have the freedom to STAND TALL and STAND UP for whatever we believe and for who we are as individuals. But, in the end, we should also remember that while we STAND TALL as individuals we are stronger when we STAND TOGETHER!
Most importantly, DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!!!
Kelly Anderson - The Feelin Good Mama 