reflect and remember
Back in California where the jingle bells are hung around the stairwell, a tree decorated in the middle of the foyer, and presents slowly begin to pile under the tree. The remnants of last Christmas still linger in stale cardboard boxes of unused ornaments and holiday decor. It's this time of year I cherish most, when my parents, four siblings and I come together in our LA home. And though we've long forgotten about the man in the red suit coming down our chimney, it seems some things stay the same -- like my mom's voice echoing down the halls as she calls us for supper, my headboard-less bed from high school that still sleeps like new, or the laughter as we remember seasons and years past.
Even though this season brings much joy, it's especially hard not to think about the recent shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. I know, this blog has always served its purpose as an outlet for me, my readers, and is a way for my family afar to stay in touch with my life, so I don't address much about politics, cover top news stories, or anything to that capacity. In fact, the topics I cover are seemingly trivial -- personal style, recipes, and lifestyle. But it's a place where I find my peace, and it's always touching when I can inspire others in the process, and that enough makes this blog worth it for me.
Last week, I met someone who in the midst of conversing about social media, said to me that he didn't like social media, and thought that people who Instagram pictures of food are "the worst". And when I asked why, he said "because there are starving people in the world, and here people are showing off their meals and what they've eaten". In many ways, however, I do understand his stance, his thoughts on social media, and why he didn't condone such exposure to the world. But then there are events that happen, like this Sandy Hook Elementary shooting which make me think about the power of a twitter handle, a Facebook page, or even a fashion blog. The ability to build awareness in our communities both domestic and abroad, to share stories firsthand instantaneously, to evoke emotions in hopes to make this nation and others realize what we need to do to move forward and improve -- whether that may be gun control or mental healthcare. And making those positive differences in this world is what matters.
I'm still coming to grips with the events of last Friday, and I can't begin to imagine what it must feel like to those personally affected. There are so many questions left unanswered, so many thoughts that make my mind race, and so much sadness that fills my heart. I keep searching for answers and reflecting back on past tragedies like Virginia Tech and Columbine, trying to understand how this could've been avoided. But as I sit here in my parents' house, I can't help but put aside the holiday season, and remember those lost, and to search within to help build the kind of awareness needed to stop these things from happening again in the future.
If you're looking for a way to help make a difference, here's an article that might help.