Jody Watley. Sanctuary In Challenging Times.

My heart feels so heavy this morning, again ..all of the mass tragic shootings that continue to happen. I do believe it’s domestic terrorism fueled by hate with innocent people losing their lives. The current President (can’t even believe he’s in that position to begin with) rants on Twitter making use of the downside of social media, petty and bullying behavior fueling the fires of racist divisive speech into the to weak minds of those ready to take the woes of their lives out on others. The corruption of politicians in general who most seem to do nothing but collect checks term after term and spew empty rhetoric constantly and especially during elections ..a voting system that is failing and constantly at the mercy those who want to make it worse and more difficult/corrupt, a system doesn’t even guarantee any of what’s ill’ing this country and the world at large can be fixed. This isn’t about politics for me, this is about humanity in a country and world in which we should all be able to thrive together, caring for each other as human beings, the environment and so on. No one wants to take accountability, just finger pointing – so round and round we go.

The ultimate powers that be, including whatever shadow figures and government that exists beyond our knowledge, that don’t want it fixed deem it easier to buy a gun / AK-47, 15 whatever model it is than to obtain a Visa, or vote.. and probably many other things where extreme red tape is involved – what is the purpose of body armor, hundreds of rounds of ammo and so on being legal to purchase?  What is the purpose of semi-automatic weapons being legal and accessible? In my heart I don’t think any of them will be happy until all has been destroyed without concern or conscience, or we find ourselves in some sort of civil race war and this country ends up like a vast wasteland in some futuristic movie. Hate begets hate, love will always drive out darkness but it’s up for a hell of a challenge in these times moving forward.

Even as an optimistic person..I just wanted to write here because choosing not to post my frustrations on the state of the world on social media. Some people get on every day just to complain as if that helps anything..more anger and bitterness. Words without action are just words in any capacity in life.

That said, it’s on my mind and in my heart to express this today. This blog is always my forum for those who are willing to go deeper and appreciate the messages beyond pretty pictures and ‘likes’ – so thank you for reading.

I cry when these killings occur, never immune as a human being, a mother of two, a friend, a daughter, an employer who cares about everyone I work with and so on. We can’t all live in a bubble and thinking about these victims each time – mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, relatives, classmates, co-workers..it goes on to an instant chain of heartbreak created by these vile cowards; who I’d add generally get taken into custody alive..never mind the guy selling bootleg cigarettes.

Reminding myself daily, to do what I can in life in what I put into the world and what comes from me to you and those who happen to follow me through my music. Stressing over what we can’t control is futile..and as best we can, take refuge and power in what we can control in living life and not taking anything for granted. What we choose to focus on and how it shapes our mood 24/7. Despite everything, don’t let the world and behavior of others get you down.

It’s befitting to post a song I wrote called ‘Sanctuary’ probably the most important in all of my songs, because it’s a life song inspired by my daughter and son and the importance of home and the spaces we create to just to live in but mentally and emotionally as well, a safe place, a healthy place..   ‘fill these walls with happy times, fill these rooms with peace of mind..sanctuary is my home..”  mindful to cherish each day, our loved ones and friends and what vibe we can create in the safety of our homes, an environment of love – because when we step into the world we just never know and there’s a lot of hate and divisiveness ‘trending’ in this country and the world. I won’t let it get the best of me, stress me out with worry in just living..and I hope you don’t either. It’s the same conversation I have with children who are now young adults living their own lives.

My condolences always go out to the families and victims in these tragedies and any senseless gun violence. The laws will not change sadly no matter what we do, and no matter how many lives are lost. The powers that be – don’t care and controlled by  greed, money and power – evil.

Be safe, spread love.