Relevant: An adjective that describes something closely connected, appropriate, or pertinent to the matter at hand. It signifies a logical relationship that matters in a specific context. It implies a traceable, logical connection that brings value, context, or significance to a specific situation or topic. Common Synonyms: Pertinent-Stresses a clear and decisive relationship to the subject; Germane-Implies a precise appropriateness or fitness for the situation; Applicable-Suggests that a general principle or rule fits a particular case.

I never wanted to be mediocre. That was author Jim Harrison’s greatest fear, and he was an accomplished writer. I believe writers constantly seek information relevant to their projects or to where they are in their stage of life. We all want to be heard, yet many avoid the spotlight, whether out of fear, angst about being identified as a fraud, or simply being too shy to have others acknowledge them. Many of us become reclusive at the end of our days on this plane of existence, while others rally and reach out to shout out the injustices of the world, in an attempt to wake up those who have shut down. With a constant stream of negative media bursts, I’m not sure whether the latter is better or where I am right now in this creative soup.

I hear others complaining about the state of the world, but not taking the time to figure out ways to make it better. It’s the quiet ones who just do things for the betterment of society and take no credit that we should be thankful for. The loud ones are just that, loud and obnoxious, not doing anything to make the world a better place. And yet we listen to them because they are a constant in our media streams.

We all want to be relevant and heard, but hearing other people tell you that you are well liked, so why aren’t you here at some event or other, or needing you for some task, or statements like “Why do you worry about it so much?” doesn’t help a person’s state of mind when too much else is going on. Sometimes people just need to take a break from the world, and you have to let them just be.

It’s best to just keep admonishing yourself that you are who you are and where you are supposed to be right now. You don’t have to feel bad about it when others don’t understand. Acknowledge internally that you are important no matter what and keep on doing what you do best. You are relevant to yourself, and others may or may not acknowledge that, so you just have to be okay with it in your head.

When your favorite pet is in her last days, you try to reconcile in your mind that it is okay to let her go, that she had a good time during her lifetime, and she was loved. She was always there for you in both good and bad times. She would always meet you at the door with her tail wagging and jumping up and down for treats. She didn’t demand much of you except to be fed, let outside to go potty and do the zoomies in the yard, walked, and loved. It is heartbreaking to let the little ones go, but life still moves on.

I am at a loss right now that people in general can’t be like a beloved pet. I question why we can’t all just get along and help each other out. Why can’t we look beyond our fears and pettiness and become companions for each other unconditionally? Why can’t we get over past hurt, move on to the next phase of our lives, and create something new and wonderful? There are days when a lot of us go into that deep, dark hole of self-loathing and defeat, and a willful mind is necessary to get out of it. But there are also more days when there is hope for the future and the relevance of logic and compassion will be restored to all.

So all I’m asking for today is that each of you find your new purpose in life. You can be relevant to yourself, but be relevant to the world. Ask yourself, “Can you live with who you have become?” And, if not, “Who are you going to be in the future?” I love you all and want you to love each other with no conditions. Enjoy the moments of love and laughter each day with yourself, your friends, and loved ones.