Our next question in the series is a BIG one, and the issue of race has sadly been making headlines of late, and not the kind we want to celebrate. Just imagine, WHAT IF the human race was actually treated equally? What if EVERYONE had the same opportunities, were treated fairly, and didn't have to live in fear on a daily basis simply due to the color of their skin? Oh, what a beautiful world it would be.

Well, here is the opportunity to start the conversation on how we can thrive to reach this goal TOGETHER. It begins with dialog. 

I'd like to share a personal story and a recent experience which had me question this particular topic. I live in Los Angeles, California on the Westside. One day back in 2018 I was sitting on a bench at a bus stop in downtown Santa Monica waiting for the bus to head to the Palisades. I was surrounded by quite a few people who were waiting for the same bus. All of the sudden this young black man came up to me, asked me what I was looking at, and then hit me across the face. He then ran off as I sat there in shock of what had just took place.

A woman who was standing nearby came up to me and said, "you're lucky he didn't have a knife". I couldn't believe what had happened in broad daylight. The bus came and I headed up to meet my partner at the beach where I then burst into tears as I explained to him what had happened. He offered to call the police, but at that point, what could they do? 

As the day went on my feelings for this young attacker had changed. I felt compassion for him, and asked myself, what could have provoked him to attack a stranger on the street? What had he himself been through that would result in such an action? I've learned throughout my life that it's simply not fair to judge another person as we have no idea what they've been through? Could this young man have been a victim of assault himself?

I'll admit the days following I was hesitant to return to that bus stop, but that didn't last long. I don't live my life in fear. It serves no purpose. Every day is a gift, and I'm here to help spread love and hope for a world we can create TOGETHER, a world where we choose to live as ONE.

In the comments, I ask you to share how you feel about this subject, and what you feel you can personally do to make this world a better place because it begins with one person, and then another, until the world we envision becomes reality.

What if growing old wasn't such a bad thing? 

Sure, we may not be able to move as quickly as we did as a child or early teen, but it doesn't mean we've lost our spark. In fact, there are MANY people on this planet who are living joyful, vibrant, exciting lives deep into their 80s, 90s, and even over the century mark. Our beloved cast member, Jerry Rosenblum was certainly one of them, and such an inspiration. Sadly, he passed away shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday, but WHAT A LIFE he lived.

So how do we aspire to live this way, and what can we do to motivate ourselves and inspire others who have MUCH to offer, especially wisdom in the later years of life? Let's begin this conversation by looking at a few questions.

1. If you are 70+, are you living your BEST life? Is there something you always wanted to do, but put off due to obligations, raising a family, choosing a career first, or anything else that put your dream on the backburner? What is that dream, and how can you follow it NOW? It's never too late. Who can you reach out to for support and encouragement?

2. If you are between say 40-70 years old, these are AMAZING years. They may not feel like it at times. You realize that things don't quite function the way they once did, or you have so much on your place, that you're overwhelmed, but that doesn't mean you give up. In fact, these are your BEST years if you think about it. You've experienced quite a bit, so you've gained a lot of wisdom, yet you still have a good way to go if you look at life as a gift. How can you make the most of this amazing time you have? What dreams have you been putting off until "the time is right"? NO MORE! Follow them NOW!

Also at this age, you may have parents or grandparents who fall in the top category. How can you support them in following their dreams? Perhaps TOGETHER you can pursue and achieve the dreams you share in your heart. Take this time to have that conversation.

3. If you are between say 10-40 years old, you're just getting started. How can you support the older members in your family, or friends in the top category? How can you show support and encouragement, while also sharing your own dreams with them? Our friend Jerry had some great friends in this age group who not only brought out his youthful spirit when they spent time together, but who them themselves lightened up because of him. 

So let's get this conversation going. Post below where you fall in these categories, and how you can do your part moving forward.