You know, my good friend Bobby McFerrin once told me “CC gurrl, don’t worry, be happy.” It didn’t seem like much more than fleeting hippie bullshit at the time, but the more I look around, the more I’m starting to think he was onto something. Perhaps we’re all just itching for this freezing ass winter to be over, but it seems like I’m surrounded by antsy complainers. I once saw a sticker that read “Cheer up, San Francisco” and it’s never seemed more on point than right now, (feel free to insert your own city). All of these pity parties have got me thinking: What in the hell is wrong, people?

There’s a homeless woman that lives outside of my house named Roxanne. Everyday she goes through the dumpster full of my discarded  leftover take out and used Kleenex looking for cans, then walks me to my car as she says to me “I got your back, girl.” At first I was a bit apprehensive to interact with her, as I have often seen her talking to herself and CC don’t respond well to cray. But one night she helped me try to put my bumper back on after some negligent asshole hit my car. Roxanne’s attitude toward helping me was a lot better than mine was toward helping her and I think it taught me something. Deep down, we’re all people, we all have a struggle, and I think we all need help once in awhile.

Look, I understand that times are hard, unless you’re Rick Ross or something, they’re probably always going to be. Surely even Ricky Rozay has his moments though. Let’s all stop for a moment and take a deep breath. Feeling any better? No? Okay, well CC is here to tell y’all that really, shit ain’t that bad. What does one need in life? Being a Buddhist for many years, I learned that to want is to suffer and that life is pain and heaven is a place on Earth blah, blah, blah…even Belinda Carlisle can tell you that. Acceptance and accountability need to be your two new best friends. I think what we all need in life is a little solid human connection. I’m not talking about booty, though a little of that would be nice too.

All you haters out there, quit hatin’. A friendly gesture never hurt anyone. When you’re sitting in your car or on the train thinking about work and bills and whatever else is fucking up your shit today, just remember, those problems are probably always going to be there. Let them go for a few hours. Don’t let the world weigh you down and take time to help someone else once in awhile. There are SO many people that are worse off than you. Hippie bullshit or not, appreciate what you have and spread some damn kindness. Peace.

- California Casual