June 5, 2020

Step Right Up Checking Hearts Today

Time to check our pulse.

How you feeling over there my friends?

You know something, when someone asks me how I am my automatic response is great. Because I’m always great. I don’t let things get me down. But I’m just ok lately which sucks.

If you’re dealing with any illness right now I’m thinking of you and wishing you well. If you’re out protesting I’m holding you close to my heart and hoping for your safety. If your heart is hurt and heavy with what is happening right now I’m here for it, I know, I’m with you. I know I won’t always understand how it feels to be you or to appreciate your feelings completely but my promise is that I’ll do my best! And if we disagree on something, ever, let’s talk about it like real life adult humans. All this, “I’m unfollowing you because All Lives Matter” let’s stop that. Let’s do more of, “I don’t agree with you because but I want to explain to you why I feel like so and so and can you explain to me why you feel this way about so and so.” And we can end it with either changing each other’s minds or just agreeing not to agree. That’s what adults do but most important that’s what friends do. When a friend of yours disagrees with you do you get up and walk out on them? Or do you do your best to try to understand where they are coming from? I see so many people on Facebook or Twitter with “Unfollow me if you want! Unfriend me if you don’t agree!” What if we take a minute and try to listen, learn, and understand each other. That’s one of points of these protests right? To understand each other better. And you know what? If we don’t understand each other we can still be there for each other on some level. We don’t give up on each other. We hold each other up even though you like Diet Soda but I drink water or you like Doritos and I prefer pretzels.

I’ll be honest here. I don’t want to fill my life with people that can’t align with what I believe. It can cause stress and hurt for everyone involved.

I am always and always will be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. That has never been a secret and it has been loudly and proudly said on here over and over. I’ve literally received hate email because I supported gay rights in the military. I am an ally of the Black Lives Matter movement and I will be protesting this weekend. I’m scared. I’m scared of potentially getting ill. I’m scared I won’t be accepted. I’m scared of being trampled on (hey, super short girl check!). But if I do nothing am I bringing any change about? How can I do more? This is one simple thing I can do to show support.

I believe people are people no matter their race, sexuality, origin, nationality, shape, size, hair color, sex, etc…etc….etc…etc….

If you don’t agree with that I am going to try really, really, really hard to understand you. And hopefully you’ll understand me as well.

We need to be together right now. Not apart. Don’t let what you believe in make you lose family or friends. Try to work it out. Try hard. Do your best ok? Just love people. Not their color, not their size or their height, not their nationality or their sex, not how much money they do or don’t have. Just love people because you’re a person and they are a person. See? Two humans. You have something in common already! Build from there.

You’re all good humans! I know you are. Be good. Be well.

Keep your heads on tight, your hearts beating strong, and let the light shine from your soul so others can see it and find their way if they are lost in the dark right now.

42 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Colleen

    Muse, thank you for this. There are so many things I want to say but can’t articulate well. Thank you for having the courage to stand by your values. Stay safe and well.

    • Isabella Muse

      Same here same here. I literally fear I am going to say the wrong thing and piss off an entire universe of people. It’s hard to find the right words. It’s ok though! We’re all right there with ya. I can’t not say something because I see so many flouncing “I’m unfollowing” all over facebook and twitter (I’m not speaking on a personal level just on a whole with many different people) and I find it silly. Sit down, try to understand each other. I hope someday we will be able to. You stay safe and well too. Keep yourself and your family safe.

      • Dee

        My son in law says “don’t attack the person, attack their position” and that is very difficult to do right now but I’m trying.

        As always, an excellent post. I feel numb right now. So many things happening that I never ever dreamed I would see and it frightens me.

        • Isabella Muse

          I am too Dee I am too. It’s a lot of hard work to try and understand other people sometimes! Same here, same here. Try not to be scared. Things will get better, things will change, and new beginnings will come!

  • Daphne B

    Beautifully said, Isabella! There is no one out there that is not affected in some way by what is going on in the world right now. We are definitely in a moment in history that we will never forget, and unfortunately everyone is so stressed out by Covid, the economic crisis, and being in quarantine for so long, and put on top of that all of the events of the past week, which are so emotional and raw, it is a volatile situation to be sure. I hope everyone who follows you reads your message and takes it to heart. You are a beacon of light, and I appreciate all the positive messages you have posted during this unbelievable time. Please stay safe, and know that I am thinking of you, and all of us that follow your blog are praying for your safety and appreciate everything you do. Much love

    • Isabella Muse

      thank you thank you thank you Daphne! Stay safe! Be well! All my love!

  • Jane

    I have to say that I have been having the opposite experience: anyone American-based whom I follow on Instagram who hasn’t addressed any of the issues around Black Lives Matter is getting a hard and fast unfollow from me. If they’re overseas obviously I don’t expect it, but no. I no longer want to follow people or companies who don’t think institutionalized racism is real.

    • Isabella Muse

      No judgement from me at all Jane! I honestly wish we can all understand each other and not lose each other because of this but I get it. I’m def not saying racism is ok! It is not nor will it ever be. I should have been more clear in my post and said that a lot of people with “all lives matter” might not really understand why that is a bad thing to say. I don’t think all people that say “ALL LIVES MATTER!” are racists. I just think not everyone gets what it means when they say that. I hope that makes sense!?

      • kjh

        I did not understand why the announcer got fired over saying ‘All lives Matter.’ I did not realize that phrase had been co-opted by white supremacists. Just like the WS took over the ok sign. Who knew? You have to keep your ear pretty close to the ground to be aware of some meanings. These can be important times to heal the rifts, wherever they are. I hope that Covid does not drown out these voices, esp in Pride month and BLM YEAR! And let’s not forget the Native American and First Nations history, how marginalized and separate but unequal they have become. AFTER ‘MY’ ANCESTORS STOLE THEIR COUNTRY, BROUGHT THEM DISEASE, UPROOTED AND DESTROYED THEIR CULTURE.

      • MDW

        When I hear “All lives matter”, it reminds me of the expression, “Let them eat cake.”

  • Laura L.

    There are times in life you have to stand up and be counted; George Floyd being killed by a police officer and the resulting protests are one of those times. Being silent is not an option as it appears to excuse the inexcusable. I am a white woman and I proudly support Black Lives Matter. White people can never fully understand what black people have endured in dealing with the police let alone other racial injustice but we can: acknowledge that racism exists, support everyone who has ever experienced such discrimination, join the protests, speak up loudly when white people talk in a racist way and let them know it is offensive and unacceptable to you”�never let it slide; and vote in November and support candidates who advocate for criminal justice, police and bail reform. Educate yourself and VOTE!!! To effect change in our society we must install new leadership in Washington, people who will stand up for what is right and hold the President accountable. I know this is long, especially for a beauty blog, but these are trying times and we all must take action to rid our nation of the scourge of racism that is systemic in the police and criminal justice system, among other areas. The time is NOW people. I am proud of you Muse for getting out there in the street and protesting! Also, for holding your ground when readers threaten to leave because of your position. We stand with you. Change IS possible.

    • Isabella Muse

      Laura, I replied earlier today to your comment regarding an email you sent. I’m guessing your email you was actually this comment. Writing an emailing and posting a comment are two different things. Thank you for your support and I am just now replying to all the comments on this post as fast as I can. Comments are on approval and I don’t always get to them right away so I hope you’ll be patient when I don’t get to them right away. Again thank you for speaking up and being supportive!

  • Linda

    Muse, I love your sincere heart and loving spirit. I understand your concerns. I went to a protest here in Southern California this week. I was afraid to get sick, afraid of the police, afraid in general. But I had to do it. If not now, when? We have to be strong in the face of this injustice. So many things changed for the LGBT community in our lifetimes. They need to change for the People of Color too. I support your post and think you’re a wonderful human being.

    • Isabella Muse

      thank you Linda for your support it means the WORLD to me!

  • Julie

    I am feeling so worn down. I’m a healthcare worker, and I participated in a White Coats for Black Lives event today. I think most people supported us, but the one ugly comment yelled at us just echoes in my brain. Why can’t I let it go? Thank you for your blog. At the end of the day when I’m sittting on my couch next to my husband trying to recover I come here to de-stress. I always tell him that this is my favorite part of the day, sitting next to him, though I don’t add that it’s also because I get to read my makeup blogs.

    • Isabella Muse

      Julie, I can relate. I got two very disturbing comments this week. One of which threw around some choice words that shocked me. It stuck with me all week and really saddened me. Don’t let the negative stuff get to you! Keep the positive in the front of you mind! Aww I’m so glad I’m part of your life and de-stressing time <3!

  • Laura

    It’s unfortunate you chose not to print my email regarding racial injustice and supporting your position even though it may alienate some readers. Too long? Edit. Too strong? To effect social and legal change strength is required. Take care.

    • Isabella Muse

      Laura, the unfortunate thing here is I’m sitting here clueless because I have no idea what you are talking about. What e-mail? Where was this e-mail sent? I get 500+ emails a day, it’s not easy keeping on top of them. Since you brought it my attention I went to the inbox I use for this blog, searched your email that you used to write this comment and came up with nothing. Where was it sent exactly? If you had something important to tell me you might want to try to at me on Twitter, IG, or Facebook as I tend to keep up a bit better across social platforms and my replies come way faster.. Or did you mean to say you commented? If so, it might be awaiting approval. Currently there are over 700 comments waiting for me to approve and reply to. You’re doing exactly what I explained to people that we shouldn’t do in this post with your “Take care!” On the Internet this is called flouncing. Talk to me, explain, be patient and wait for me to get back to you and we can talk about things like two grown adults. Contrary to belief I am not sitting at my computer 24/7 waiting for emails, tweets, or comments to come in so I can instantly reply. It takes a little time for me to get to these things. Hopefully you understand.

    • Isabella Muse

      aw thanks Kelly! <3! Love ya back! You keep fighting it too!

  • Dianne

    Good Morning: I am so over joyed of our young Americans who are protesting and writing about the injustices of four hundred and one years of “EQUALITY FOR ALL”. These brave souls are America”s HEROES and so are all those who support change. The world see the injustices from a country that tells the world and fought wars in the name of” EQUALITY FOR ALL” and are with us. African American men fought in every war and were drafted for Vietnam; but could not buy a hamburger at Dairy Queen. Restaurants did not serve African American. Yet they gave their lives in war for citizens of another country’s FREEDOM for which they did not possess in their own country. Many Thank To All Citizens Of The World That Are Standing up for “JUSTICE AND EQUALITY”. Though my heart is HEAVY and BRAIN is saturated at this time, my SOUL is JOYOUS.The World still must improve for all, however, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD SHINES A LITTLE BRIGHTER.

    • Isabella Muse

      hi Dianne! Thank you for always shining your positive messages on my blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Karen

    Wise words! Thanks for sharing a message of positivity in difficult times. <3

  • Sakura

    Good luck at the protests! I hope that you will be safe! Wear a mask and walk on the periphery if you can. As for me I will continue to listen to narratives of people facing racism to help me better understand. I will also be buying from more black owned businesses.

    • Isabella Muse

      Thanks Sakura! It all went really well. my bf was with me and pretty much had me standing behind him and holding onto his belt buckle the entire time. Things got loud but nothing violet thankfully!!!!!!! Good for you! That’s an excellent way to support the movement!

  • MDW

    Are you going to the protest with one or two close friends? Today in Munich, some young people organized a silent protest. They expected 200. The police expected 2,000. 20,000 people showed up. Luckily it did not get violent. I really believe this city will continue to have these gatherings. Now we have better forecast of the real turnout numbers.

    • Isabella Muse

      More like 100s. It’s not something I organized. There’s an Instagram page for NYC residents wanting to take part in protests and it lists times and places of marches. There was no violence thankfully. It did get loud though. That’s amazing that it started with 2 and ended up 20k strong! Fantastic! That’s what the BLM movement needs! the more voices heard the more change it’ll bring about!

  • Cindy

    Thank you so much for this – I wholeheartedly agree with you that we need to love one another, regardless of skin color, work through our differences, and learn to grow – TOGETHER. ❤️
    Stay safe and take care!

    • Isabella Muse

      Thanks Chris! We were! It went really well! No issues 🙂

  • Jana

    Hi Muse. You inspired me to take part in a march today, first time for me as a 60 year old granny. Keep up the good words and thank you for the heartfelt words.