Birthday letter to myself

It’s my birthday celebrating 68 years of belonging to the Human Race and being an American. At this new dawn of a return to civility and unity, I have written myself a letter.

I need to be reminded of my proper role and place in this grand republic. I need to refocus on these guiding principles as a way to move forward in a just society. It will take some personal work to not demonize those who hold extremely differing opinions and values as I hold. We have become so polarized with each other; everything is personal. The belief that “you are with me or you are against me” leaves no room for the golden mean of societal behavior. I share my letter to self as a beginning for me to atone for my bad behavior.

Dear Self:

Please consider these guiding principles as you go about your daily life. You have somehow been taken off the path. These will get you back on your game.

Be nice.

Be kind.

Be humble.

Be grateful.

I will respectfully question and challenge those in positions of authority with thoughtful opinions and facts to support my point of view and values. I will respect the office and the conventions of our system of governance.

I may choose to peacefully and publicly protest to create awareness and promote my point of view or position. I will never condone violence or unlawfulness in doing so.

I will remember that scientists, physicians and others who acquire knowledge from long, intensive education and experience can be trusted. While I reserve my right to determine my own opinion, I will listen to their expertise on matters I know nothing about.

I will oppose those who operate on the fringes of our society, who promote dissension and embody hate, those who use tactics of fear and intimidation, and those who advocate violence as a means of control and governance. They have no place at our public tables. No one person is better than any other. No one has the only truth.

I will talk half as much as I listen. Civil discourse and debate is fundamental to our ability to define and decide on courses of societal action. I will strive to keep an open ear if not an open mind to those who hold views and values different than mine.

I will remember that the vast majority of people are good hearted with good intentions and want the same things I want in community and country. I hereby revoke my use of capital letters in republican, democrat, conservative and liberal. These labels have their place and are suggestions of some of my personal dimensions. They are not who I am. They do not define my every moment. They do not by themselves make me good or evil. My behavior and actions do that.

Self, I know you have worries for the future. I know you may think that there is more chance of spiraling down rather than spiraling up. My advice to you is basically GET A GRIP!

Don’t take yourself so seriously. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember that our first duty to each other and self is to love. As everyone is, you are a flawed human, not perfect, therefore you can only pursue righteousness, you are not righteous. You will make mistakes but they won’t matter if love is at the center of your intentions. This is my birthday present to you.

Very truly yours,

Me

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Rick Palagi is an Idaho native who retired to Kootenai County about three years ago.