Violent: adjective. 1. acting with or characterized by uncontrolled, strong, rough force

This word could be taken in many different ways. When I think of violence I tend to think of danger, being hurt, evil, and other darker images/ideas. For example, a rape is considered to be a form of violence. Violence is a term that could mean different things to anyone. Bullying could be considered violence. I guess violence could just mean anything that hurts someone in some way- physically or emotionally. One of my favorite quotes by Martin Luther King Jr. reminds me of this topic:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”.

I’ve always loved this saying and it is something that I believe I live by.  People who are driven by the acceptance of violence honestly scare me because it is as if they have an innate evil streak in them. I’ve always grown up with the saying “Treat others the way you want to be treated”- violent acts is not something I would want to be affected by so I won’t do it to others.

Acceptance is a much better word to live by. Nothing cliché like love, peace, happiness – but acceptance embodies all of those and more. When you accept others for who they are you learn to love all different kinds of people which promotes peace and hopefully leads to happiness all around. There has to be at least one positive to somebody- build on that rather than look at the negatives. Believe me, I know it is hard, but I believe that living above violence and all of the associated makes you a better person.  When you seek revenge and inflict violence I think it makes you an ugly person inside and out- just live your life and karma will deal with the rest. Another quote I live by is by Audrey Hepburn (one of my idols- next to Marilyn Monroe that is):

“ For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

I believe that this is a wonderful ideology to live by – when you do good for others (whether it is offering a simple smile or doing something big like donating money/charity events) it shines through you. There is a glow about a good person, you can just see it.

Now that you’ve seen my whole theory about being good, doing good, and all of the associated, I will end off on yet another inspirational quote by Mother Teresa:

“ People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.  If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.  If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.  If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.  The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.  Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.”