Rianne Pada’s Thoughts

I think that a lot of people believe that peace is corny and improbable. Violence hasn’t affected everyone, and I think that those not affected by violence find no reason for finding peace. The perceptions are different- for those being affected by war and violence daily, peace isn’t just something they want, it’s something they need. For people who live sheltered lives and only experience war from watching the news, peace seems futile and impossible.

The idea of peace matters because people are losing the right to live every single day. Death isn’t just a number that appears on a screen and disappears after a day. People say peace is not likely because conflict is inevitable with every situation in life.

My friend Kailer always has insightful things to say about this kind of thing. He’s always saying things that are meant to be positive, and he’s right. About peace, he said, “Peace is not the absence of violence, but the ability to keep balance with your mind, body and soul.”

People avoid talking about peace because they want to avoid being as corny as possible. Pretending not to care about everything is a way for people to cope, and that’s understandable.

I think peace doesn’t have to be an immediate worldwide affair- people can have peace within themselves and spread positivity to others. For instance, I feel peace when Kailer gives me advice and tells me everything is going to be okay. I realize now that you can find peace through your good friends and by surrounding yourself with good people.

After the Paris attacks, citizens in France held up a sign that said, “Not afraid,” and I think that represents the strength and unity that peace brings to people. Many countries across the world flew the French flag and lit up buildings with the French colors, and believe it or not, this can be seen as a step forward in peace efforts. The world is a big place. People expect to see immediate results in terms of peace. But the way the world reacted to the events that took place on November 13, 2015 shows progress, how little it may be.

Bad things happen often, but so do good things. Efforts to spread happiness are important because that’s all anyone can do. People often wonder what they can do to help spread peace when issues in the world seem so far away. All I can really say is that peace can be achieved through kindness to others around you, and kindness to yourself. Forgive yourself and forgive others.

Maybe I’m being cheesy- I know a lot of people dislike that. But being negative has gotten me nowhere, and I know that now. Diligence for yourself and love for others wins- no matter how corny it might be.

As long as positivity exists, there is still hope. I believe that.