If I was a songwriter, today I would write about being brave and free and young at heart. What are we, after all, without our liberties?
The two closest songs I have found this afternoon to express what I am feeling are “Young Americans” by David Bowie and “Young Turks” by Rod Stewart.
Interesting that both titles include “young.”
What is age? What is “young”?
Do we lose ambition for the true expression of who we are and what we believe in as we age chronologically? Must we?
In a lot of ways, we regain what we felt when we were young and free as we age because we care less about what others think. And if life has beat some of our spirit out of us we end up searching to reclaim our sense of self.
A question becomes – Who are we if we give up our voices in order to fit a mold? Do we really want a group or community that does not want who we really are or what we can candidly offer?
I have noticed that the older I get the less I care about the BS that others expect. Maybe some never lose this feeling. I envy them.
And I find myself listening to the music from decades ago that stirs in me what was once the source of my passion.
As a journalist, I see people spin the truth and act with concern for their image. I see “public servants” more concerned with image than with doing what is best for the community.
People act from places of pride and fear and a lack of any real type of conviction.
So, how can we expect there to be the facilitation of genuine, lasting change?
I have been writing recently about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). It has been a steep learning curve.
But, I have been floored – and spurred on – by those who are fearlessly speaking out for the health of their families and future generations.
Food by its very nature should be healthy. It should nourish us and we should feel connected to nature through consuming it. And there should be nothing to fear by speaking the truth on this or other issues when, what it comes down to, is a freedom to choose.
So, this is me tipping my hat to those brave hearts. The people who understand situations well enough to explain things simply. Who was it who said that if you cannot explain something simply you do not understand it well enough?
And to have the self-possession to speak the truth in spite of those who put them down for it.
One of the reasons I became a journalist is because I really value the truth. And I would get incredibly disheartened by people who so casually would speak lies.
It is through connecting with people that speak the truth unabashedly that I am finding the strength of my convictions again. When I focus on those associations the rest – the weaklings creating fake realities – are much less important.
So, thank you to those who care about the truth!
Here it is in the words of Rod Stewart, “Young Turks” ….
Because life is so brief and time is a thief when you’re undecided.
And like a fistful of sand it can slip right through your hands.
Young hearts be free tonight,
time is on your side.
Don’t let them put you down don’t let ‘em push you around.
Don’t let ‘em ever change your point of view.








