I am different, I am my own person. I am not an appendage attached to my mother, father, nor my siblings. I am my own person and happy to be so. My life has led me to my own values, my own morals and my own feelings. My heart and mind belong solely to me; therefore I must answer to myself. I must look myself in the mirror each day and accept my actions or understand then set out to correct my faults.

Ultimately, I decide who I am and what my heart feels and what my mind believes. Truth is usually obvious provided one is armed with knowledge of facts. I was always taught, by rule – never believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. That lesson stuck. That doe’s not mean one should be close minded; to the contrary, it means that one should always seek the truth. My tip on that truth seeking extends to questioning the source of the answer.

When I hear that all Muslims are terrorists, my heart knows that is not true. When I am told that all races have the same opportunities as Caucasians to succeed, my mind understands that society can and does place higher expectations on minorities. When I see a single parent struggling to feed his or her child while working two jobs, I understand through self education that the parent needs a lift. When I hear a person complain that our government should not be responsible for aiding citizens, my heart understands that the parent and child needs our help. When I see a person sentenced to death by judge and jury and later it is discovered that the condemned was innocent, my heart cries injustice.

When I witness our youth placing their lives on the line and losing it for a fight that never should have been, my mind is filled with bewilderment and my heart sinks for the loved ones of that life that never should have been placed in harm’s way. When I see love for another be excused by bigotry, my heart goes out to that couple and my mind knows that true ignorance is a choice that affects everyone.

When I hear the weary complain that they must pay taxes on their meager income yet accept that wealthy CEO’s get large tax breaks, and do nothing that begets change, my mind clearly knows that the weary complainer is not interested in breaking the cycle that constrains them. When I hear a self proclaimed Christian chastise others for being different, my heart understands they do not place faith in their own religion.

When I hear others declare their patriotism, my mind believes them. When I hear them say I am not patriotic based on my beliefs, my mind knows a true patriot and my heart feels empathy for their lack of insight. When I hear a slanderous lie against another being, my mind wonders what drives a person beyond what they know is right and wrong. When I see a nation divided based on what I believe makes each individual unique, differences, my heart cries for unity and civility, yet my mind fears that no matter the outcome of which we choose to lead our nation we will still be divided.

My heart and mind belong to me, as a citizen I choose to accept in my heart our differences, yet strive for making good by educating my mind.

Please do not judge me for my views. I will keep open my mind, I will not judge you for your views, we will never agree on everything, but I implore you to live and let live.