Five Truths to Hold onto in 2024
I pray that this year we each remember:
How loved we are. We live in a society that defines how worthy each individual is of love by superficial measures based more on luck and in some cases, on one’s ability to successfully exploit others. For instance, wealth is viewed as a sign of hard work and blessing, when in reality, it is more often than not the result of privilege and economic exploitation. Or those who are stereotypically attractive-thin, tall, white, are viewed as being more worthy of respect than those who don’t fit those standards. (Of course, even those who meet said beauty standards are often ridiculed and mocked if, for even a moment they have a bad hair day or gain a few pounds). But these superficial standards and our ability or inability to meet them, say less about us and whether or not we deserve to be loved and more about how distorted our society is. You are loved. I am loved. Regardless of whether or not we meet the conflicting and ever-changing definitions of beauty and success put forth by the dominant culture.
We are first and foremost Children of God-Dominant society likes to place us into boxes, defined by certain identity markers. Our perceived worth is defined by whether or not we claim the “right” identities. And don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with claiming a specific identity. I am a proud queer latinx. However, the problem lies when society says that certain identities are more valuable than others. Similar to point one, our society has a limited understanding of who is viewed as worthy of life and love. However, while society says one thing. God says another. And God values and cherishes all of us. Are you proudly queer? You are a beloved child of God, just as you are. Are you trans? You are a beloved child of God. And may you find the support and resources to be who YOU are meant to be.
We are more than our worst mistakes or biggest failure-Life has a way of humbling us and destroying our best-laid plans. Sometimes we are the ones who mess up and cause havoc on our lives and those we love. Sometimes situations occur beyond our control and we have no choice but to make the best of some bad situations. Either way, as we go into 2024, may we each remember that no matter what we have done, failed to do, or had done to us, we are more than the worst moment of our year (or our life).
We can make a difference-There is so much suffering in the world and so much of the suffering is out of our control. And most of us aren’t major political figures or celebrities with millions of dollars. Most of us barely have a couple hundred dollars saved to handle an emergency. Many of us are trying to make it through each day. So when it comes to large-scale issues that may or may not directly impact us, we can feel helpless. But I hope we all remember that we all can do something even if it is small, to make a difference. To those who decided to skip out on their daily Starbucks to show solidarity with Palestine, you are making a difference. To those who share a meal with others, who comfort those grieving even if just for a moment, you are making a difference.
We deserve to be the best version of ourselves- and for each person that may look different. For some, that may look like just surviving the year. I’m not even going to pretend to predict what 2024 will hold for myself, let alone everyone else. I know for some, this will be a trying year and just getting through it, will be a victory. I want to affirm that. For others who can move from survival mode, it may mean evaluating our coping mechanisms, it may mean learning the difference between what we can control (mainly ourselves and our reactions) and what we can’t (everything else) and what does fully embracing that knowledge mean? It may entail letting go of unhealthy habits, thought patterns, etc. For those who are financially able, it may mean leaving a toxic job or situation and for those who are unable, it may mean reaching out to friends and family for support in navigating the toxicity. Whatever this year holds, I hope that we all can remember that we deserve to be the best versions of ourselves, whatever that may look like. Just to be clear being the best version of ourselves doesn’t mean conforming to whatever societal standards we feel obligated to meet. It means recognizing that we deserve to be cared for and treated right.
Image: Black background with lots of fireworks. Text: Five Truths to hold onto in 2024