"If You Tolerate This, Then Your Children Will Be Next"

This is the title of the song by the Manic Street Preachers, released in 1998. The meaning behind it could be whatever you want. There are lots of potential 'means'.

The one line that resonates with me is "gravity keeps my head down, or is it maybe shame, at being so young and being so vain." 

I find that this line speaks directly to being young and not fully grasping the gravity of life.

Yes, there are many aspects of the world we shield our eyes from but without seeing the good and the bad, we would lack a full understanding of what it means to be truly alive.’ Seeing the gravity cements the knowledge that life is fragile, life is finite, life is wonderful and yet we can’t help but struggle to keep our head up and fully embrace it.

Staring at life can be scary, and fact is, when you're younger you are not 'seasoned' enough to wrap your head around it (sorry kids...it's true.)

The title of the song is how we should all live our lives. Do not 'tolerate' things within your control. Do not forgo your own beliefs to appease others. On the flip side, do not force your beliefs on others, no one cares about your beliefs (sorry adults...but you know this is also true.)

Tolerate what needs to be tolerated. If someone is not hurting you or others. Leave them be. This applies in business, family, relationships and everyday life. BUT, do not tolerate YOUR own bad behaviour. As I've mentioned before, be kind to yourself but hold yourself accountable. This is the best way to get through life feeling like the gravity of life isn’t pulling you down let go of vanity and hold your head high.

The second half of 2024 awaits us all. Tolerate others, hold yourself accountable and your children will be proud.