The Mug Awards

"Express Yourself!" they say.

Yeah, right. There are times all I want to say is.*****. Well, I really can't and won't say it, but you, dear reader, know what I mean. Regardless of how people felt this last week, there's either an expression of grief or gloating. Neither side wants to hear either, except in the privacy of their safe groups where they can either glare or gloat.

I'd love to share a piece of my mind, but I can't seem to do that, even in the supposed safety of my own social media page. The trollers are out there, and the extremists are quick to chime in. I also don't see much of the other side now because I "unfollowed" them all (note that I didn't unfriend them - at least not yet; but if they get nasty, that's the next step); however, many still see my stuff.

So, I've been thinking about finding a fun and happy system of self-expression that does not raise my own blood pressure, but still leaves me the feeling of satisfaction that I've said what I wanted to say, even if I'm my only audience. I thought about all my T-shirts, but there are some places that this is not a safe option, like the grocery store, workplace, church, or especially the local bar. I also don't want to have to wear the same shirt every day to get my message across.

So many people feel silenced by others, and sometimes I am one of those. When I express myself, people on the "opposing team" are quick to attack and give their copied and cliched rhetoric. They claim there's freedom of speech, but there really isn't when one disagrees.

I really try to be good. I really try to take the high road and avoid name calling, insults, or condescension, and for these efforts, instead of being appreciative of my considerateness, the opposition gets the idea that my position is weak, so they call it an invition to attack.

On Wednesday, I had a lot of words to share. Unfortunately for my husband, he got to hear them all. He agrees with me; he just doesn't like the way I talk back to the television, radio, send my rage into the air, or insult the people on social media posts. I really need to find another way to vent, because my current rant system was increasing his blood pressure...and probably mine, too.

With this past week, I went through rage, grief, and now I'm at the point that I will express myself. Instead of expressing with my blog, posts, or journal, I will express myself in ways that can be seen with the message clearly sent. Those with similar beliefs will laugh; others...well I hope they wonder if the message is for them.

Here's my plan, and I invite you to join me and share humorous results.

Do you ever choose your daily or weekly morning beverage mug based on what you'd like to say? If so, this little idea is for you. Claim your voice and say it with a sip by awarding mugs with Mug of the Day, Week, or Month status.

How will I do this? I will declare a new award: Mug of the Day (I may also use week or month). This mug will be selected with the message I want to share with others about current events, politics, or local dramas. It's one where my verbal and written filters will be in place, but my message filters will be removed. It's an "In Your Face" kind of thing without being "in your face." Is it nice? Probably not, but it's as nice as I can be right now, and it makes me laugh.

Today, I share with you the winner of my Mug of the Week Award. My award week began this past Wednesday, and I share with you the winner. It may take the award for a month because I see no reason to change it at this point.

Here's how this works:

1. Find mugs with sayings that express your thoughts, feelings, and attitudes.

2. Bring your collection together in one place.

3. Choose what you want to tell people, but really shouldn't...or you could if you feel kindly to them that day.

4. Fill mug with morning beverage and have readily available. When chatting and wanting to make a statement, take a sip. When pausing for thought, take a sip. When needing a smile, read your mug, know for whom it has been chosen, and then smile.

5. For a less subtle approach, if you want to call it to anyone's attention, share the Mug of the Week Award winner by telling the person about your little award. No need to say the reason.

Enjoy!