I will often see a movie despite it receiving bad reviews, as in my experience and in my (not so) esteemed, opinion those films usually turn out to be the better ones. But one thing I started to do as of late, was also giving films with really bad trailers a chance.

One such film was New in Town, starring Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick, Jr. When it came out a year or so ago, the trailer for this film, was pretty stinky and made the film appear to be pretty stupid. I found the DVD on the shelves at the library one afternoon and despite recalling the stinky trailer, picked it up to read the synopsis on the back; it actually seemed to have heart...and I like films with heart.

I took it home and that night dove into New in Town with no preconceived notions. My genuine assessment: Whoever put together the movie’s trailer, didn’t do the film justice, as I found it to be very heart-warming and charming. Yes, I liked it.

This had me thinking: It was sort of like judging a book by its cover, or more so, judging anything or anyone, prematurely. We humans do this too often and sometimes for no reason other than someone just looks a bit different than us, or thinks a bit out of the box for our comfort. Do we benefit from this type of behavior? Not likely. But many people continue on with it, consciously or not.

Once upon a time, people judged me, for no real reason. I didn’t look or act much different than the next person, but despite this, it happened. KNOWING they did it was what made it hard, for I didn’t understand why: It was hurtful and I know that it affected me to an extent; that due to the emotional results it affected whom I presented myself as to others for a period of time.

I, however, forgave them for their ignorance and now, I understand this forgiveness, is what freed me to be myself.

Today, I am still a bit shy and slow to warm up to people. I don’t often approach people (unless I have a mission) but if I have talked to you at least once, I am good to go. I don’t let these flaws (because they are people—they are flaws developed from learned behaviors of fear) hold me back from becoming the person I was intended to be: these instances helped me become stronger and better.

These experiences also taught me lessons at a very young age; lessons that I would carry with me into adulthood.

Lessons such as: Not judging others for any reason and accepting who they are, even if I don't understand them or their choices; not letting the opinions of others make or break me and not depending on others for my confidence. And the biggest one, not being afraid to look inside and find out who I was created to be and not question it; merely accept, be and do.

These are beautiful lessons and that I am grateful for.  I realize they were gifts bestowed upon me from God; He instilled His wisdom in me and for that I am eternally grateful.

Such wisdom has enabled me (despite my shy outer shell) to be both open hearted and minded. Loving people for the “fearfully and beautifully created”, UNIQUE individuals we each are. And not letting appearances or attitudes (that, again, is fear speaking) stop me from looking inside a person’s heart and spirit to find out what beauty lies within. We all contain it...sometimes the image is just a little jaded.

Please carry this message with you and spread it...for we are truly in a time where humanity and humility need to go hand in hand; to be spread, heart to heart, and to stop allowing things like hair, skin color, religion or country of origin divide and separate us.

Enjoy this issue my friends and remember to accept the blessings of everyday—joyfully, mindfully and whole-heartedly.

All the best to you and yours,

Stacey R. Louiso

Founding Editor + Human Being