Bottomsizedupus

Confused by the title? Well, it’s pronounced exactly like it’s spelled but obviously not an actual word. You see, my mother has this thing where either she made up words or simply due to lack of education and not very efficient when it comes to reading, writing and spelling. “Bottom-sized-up-us” is one of many made up words she replaced for the actual word or phrase; simply meaning “upside down”. Yes, she still uses it today. However, for this post, I am referring to the state of the world with all the chaos and the lives of citizens actually being turned upside down.

Many of us have often heard the phrase, “the world is turned upside down”. It is the title of a popular ballad and used in various forms, yet it had become a term loosely used especially during these challenging times. Many may say things took a turn for the worse due to the pandemic. I personally don’t know of one person who wasn’t directly affected by the pandemic, myself included. Although it certainly impacted lives all over the world, people were struggling on many levels long before March of 2020. When I walk outside my door on any given day, be it for routine errands, conduct business at an establishment or sit at the local parks in an attempt to escape the madness even if only for a moment regardless of my location, people’s lives are drastically changed and often in such a way that is totally shocking and upsetting.

While talking to many people during my days, I’ve learned that many are struggling with the same issues. Although disheartening, I find comfort in knowing I am not alone. Over the last several months I’ve researched many of these issues and plan to write about them in detail eventually.

1. Unaccounted Homeless Population: We see the tents set up around our cities, but what about those who have no other option but to live with family. In many instances multiple families under one roof. This causes a breakdown in families for several reasons, especially those with children. Single mothers in most cases don’t qualify for help because they’re not on the streets.
2. Mother Nature at an Abundance: Between the storms, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc. people are struggling to overcome these events that are seemingly becoming more destructive every year.
3. Low Income/Affordable Housing: Is there really such a thing?
4. Health Care: Even if you’re in a position to have great coverage, what about the integrity of the Physicians and clinics that we expect to be held to a higher standard? I personally have a hard time getting through on the phone to even make an appointment. When I finally do, they not only don’t follow through with what they said, but nor do they even have a record of my previous call/appointment. Unfortunately, this doesn’t even scratch the surface of challenges within the healthcare system.
5. No Police Response: Nearly every other weekend (I kid you not) there is an auto accident on at least one of the four corners near my home. I’ve witnessed 5 & was surprised as well as curious when the police didn’t respond to 2 of them. Since I no longer drive, I didn’t think much of it until speaking with the people involved in these accidents, learned they were just as confused and surprised to learn that because there were no serious injuries, the police did not come to the scene. Apparently, this is not news to some, but it was for me and the individuals involved.
6. Presidential Indictment: Enough said!
7. Employers/Jobs Lack of Integrity: I’ve found that many companies friends and family members work for are cutting corners and causing unfair as well as illegal work conditions. The head guys are basically looking out for themselves. Customer service is at an all-time low and a lot of it is due to the good workers feeling trapped. Fear of retaliation or being fired all together so instead of speaking up, they conform. I heard of employees being retaliated against for utilizing sick time which is a legal right. Employers not following through with Workmans comp claims and so on, which then turns into a bigger issue, especially for those already dealing with mental health issues or other challenges in general. To go through the necessary legal steps for justice is stressful alone and sadly, some give up therefore the employer continues with the same behaviors.

My list goes on, but I’ll stop here for now. Although I strongly feel there are certain professionals that should be held to a much higher standard of integrity, they are still human. Is it fair, not at all, but what can we actually do? For me, even though most days it is extremely hard for myself and to see others suffering, I have to dig deep to find the good or at the very least something positive to focus on. I look for opportunities to encourage others and help lift them up as we have a better chance when we can work together. This, while being consistent with prayer and doing my best to NEVER GIVE UP HOPE & STAY STRONG IN MY FAITH during my time in this bottomsizedupus world we live in. God Bless!!