A Grandfather’s Thoughts for Peace – Paving a Positive Path Forward
BY JACK LEVINE
Now that I’m a grandfather (AKA Pop Pop Jack), I’m all the more dedicated to pave a positive path for peace for future generations. I’m sure many grandparents feel similar emotions when looking into the eyes of their newest family members.
The daily accounts of the gruesome events in Ukraine stirs our souls and creates a sense of rage. The aggression perpetrated by a voracious appetite for dominance over the innocent is causing the deaths of thousands and interrupting the lives of victims of every age.
Cruelty is a disgusting exercise of power. We should never accept it in our home life, in our community, nor anywhere on this vast planet.
I’m not an expert in global military policy, but I do know right from wrong…and what Vladimir Putin is in the process of creating is the most recent example in a long list of egregious and completely unjustified wars, The blood of the innocents drips from his hands.
As we and our allies search for solutions, there are now and will always be more challenges ahead…fear, selfishness and rejection of peaceful co-existence are ever present.
The question we have to ask ourselves seems simple yet profound….Do we accept negativity as status quo or will we gather the forces of good, generosity and grace to overcome and advocate progress as a way of life?
Both pessimism and optimism are contagious…we catch them from others. Being negative begets negativity…being optimistic is likewise transmitted to others.
Every day, we have the choice to be either the most negative or most positive person in any environment.
My hope is we re-balance our attitudes so that our children learn from our best example…they occasionally do what we say, but invariably copy what we do!
As I think of all of the joys of grandparenthood, I’m all the more motivated to develop a strong and sustaining advocacy agenda which reflects the values we hold as sacred….justice, peace and equal opportunity to build a future worthy of our ideals.
Let me know if this advocacy philosophy resonates with you…and feel free to pass my words forward.
May the blessings of peace and health warm your spirits and bring joy to you and your loved ones. Please continue to be generous and loving despite the enormous challenges we face.
Onward Together for Good
Jack
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jack Levine
Founder 4Generations Institute
Director, GRAND Partners
