It's ok to be different - I am, and I'm proud to be different

I would assume that 2020 has been a stressful year for all of us and fortunately - it’s almost over. Between COVID & the election, and for me personally - my health, this is one year I don’t think any of us could have predicted. 

Unfortunately, it will likely be a few days before we know who won the Presidential election, but I am saddened by the hate that has inundated the media. I think we would all agree that we live in the best country in the world, but in times like these, it seems so easy to forget how blessed we are. There are individuals who risk their lives, and those of their families, on a daily basis to come to the United States. Furthermore, we all have friends and loved ones who have fought for our country - some who never came home.

While we might be a nation of conflicting ideals, what makes America so great are our differences. 

I lost more than 40 friends before the age of 40. Read it again, yes more than my parents had lost at 60ish. Do you think those losses have impacted my belief system? Sure they did, but that’s what makes me different. 

I lived through the real estate crash in the 80’s and we still found a way to make payroll. Do you think that the real estate crash impacted my belief system? Sure it did, but that’s what makes me different.

I lived through the financial crisis in 2008/9 and we still found a way to keep the business afloat. Do you think that the financial crisis impacted my belief system? Sure it did, but it makes me different.

I’ve lived through running a business during COVID and having to shift on a dime to ensure everyone was kept safe. Do you think that COVID has impacted my belief system? Sure it has, but it makes me different. 

The thing that makes our country so great are each of our differences. Our sole life experiences shape and mold our beliefs. While they might be contrasting, they are equally as important. These individual ideals are the core of our democracy. However conflicting, I choose everyday to be kind and respect these differences because they are the foundation of our democracy. 

I’m at a loss of words when I turn on the TV or look at my phone. The hate is blinding, and it has no age limit. I hope each of you will find a way to do something nice for someone else this week. Maybe pay it forward in a drive-thru, maybe make a donation (dollar amount doesn’t matter), or bake a cake or some cookies for your neighbor. Please reach out to a friend or stranger, the worst thing is that it still made you feel better. I also hope you’ll encourage your friends to do the same. Just think how impactful it would be if each of us did something nice for someone else.

We can all make a difference, one person at a time, one day at a time. I hope you’ll join me in finding a way to make a difference. - Brad Beldon (With help from Mackenzie Beldon)