beneath it all

6,966,450,720 and counting....

Our World is filled with people; almost seven billion to be exact. That is a lot of people to feed, clothe, and provide shelter for. That is a decent amount of people that have desires, dreams, and aspirations, but it is also a decent amount of people with heartache, afflictions and trials. Close to seven billion people that each have their own unique and distinctive lifestyle. Close to seven billion people that choose to dress their own way, speak their own way
and live their own way.

Ever stop to look next to that one person sitting besides you in class and wonder how their life is. Ever stop to wonder why they choose to dress the way they do, have their hair a certain way, and speak the way they do. Ever stop to think of how their life is like in relation to yours; or better yet, how different it may be. Ever stop to view that maybe, just maybe, that person sitting next to you in class is suffering from cancer, abuse, disabilities,

or struggling in some type of way.

There are days I will stop while walking down the street to just sit and people watch. I have always wanted to read inside the minds of the people that pass me by and to see what they are thinking.. Feel their emotions they are feeling. Breathe and walk in their shoes. Sometimes, we place people in catagories and view them as the same towards others but in all reality, we could not be more different. Sometimes, I find myself looking at my friends and ask myself,
 do I really know you?
Deep inside, everyone feels every emotion. Passion. Fear. Anger. Love. Acceptance. Anticipation. Sorrow and Joy. Several days goes by where we fail to notice those around us and how they are really feeling or how they really are, especially our closest friends. There are only so many minutes in a day where one can feel happy. There are only so many minutes in a day where anger or frustrations lasts in a person. There are only so many minutes in a day where someone can put on that mask and be someone else around others. Deep inside, everyone is facing a struggle. Facing a happiness. Facing a fight.

I do not know if it is just where I live or it happens all around the World but I feel like where I particularly live, judgment is highly placed on everyone. Judgment seems to occur more frequently than any other action. Judgment seems to be a main expression that is passed along. It happens a lot and quite honestly, I hate it. I hate the fact of judging someone without knowing them. I hate the fact that we judge those by what they wear, what they eat, what background, income and gender they are.

I think if WE REALLY KNEW those people we pass by on a daily basis and get to know their true colors, we wouldn't be so quick to judge. We wouldn't be so quick to place each other in criterias or social norms. We wouldn't be so quick to dicriminate. Providing a simple smile or "hello" as you walk by is just as simple and easy as it is to turn your head away or point. But for some reason, we always choose to turn away and give the lesser of the two. It is frustrating. It is frustrating because I find myself doing it at times and I shouldn't.

I guess all I am trying to say with all of this ranting is: I am not a fan of judgment. Do not place yourself above anyone. We all have our strengths, our weaknesses, our successes and battles. If you really knew the person, you would think otherwise about them. You would realize the homeboy with the nappy hair and worn down clothes may be more like you than you think. We are all facing life all at the same time. So why not make life worth it and smile to those around you. Say hello to a new stranger everyday. Wrap your arms around those you love and see in need of comfort. Say I love you to those who are close. And live everyday like it really means something to you.

 6,966,450,720 in the World and counting....
they all  have a purpose, a meaning, a struggle, a fight we all call "life."