Acceptance leads to peace and happiness

Please don't be shocked. And please don't click away. That's right, I have chosen the original version of the Cee Lo Green song "F**k You" to play right here on the Experience Optimism blog for Music Sunday.

I could have chosen the clean version, "Forget You," but as I listened to the slight variations, and debated between the two, I decided that sometimes it's okay to display a little attitude. A little four-letter word will not prevent me from enjoying the emotion and true meaning of this song. A little four-letter word will not prevent me from accepting this artist's style and genius.



Now it's time for me to confess; I am a new Cee Lo Green fan. Until this week, I had ignored this grammy-award winning artist because he caused controversy with his unflattering words. I thought, what's the point, there are too many other people to listen to.

I'm not afraid to say that it is also possible that I ignored him for other reasons, like he looks different than me. Or maybe I just hadn't paid attention because I was listening to the wrong radio station, but my eyes and ears are open now and I'm enjoying the Cee Lo experience.

My questions for you today: What are you missing because your eyes, ears and mind are closed? Are you channel-surfing enough to keep current? Are you stopping at the different stations in life to appreciate what each has to offer?

We live in a beautifully diverse world.  Many preach tolerance. I have decided, from today forward, to preach acceptance. It's a little different because tolerance allows you to ignore those you disagree with; however, when you accept someone or something for who or what they are, you have to be aware, really aware of them and what makes them a part of the world in which we live.

Acceptance brings about awareness and understanding and I believe that will make the world a better place to live. Dare I say it? Yes, acceptance leads to peace and happiness.