Well, I can tell you, probably 99.9 %.
The problem with life is we are too judgmental. Someone says, "That guy needs a dentist." Well, do they know that guy can fix anything? He lives in his own happy little world and has never been in a position that afforded him the means to have his teeth repaired. Should we shun him or mention his nasty teeth to everyone we meet?
"Well, this here guy came up long side me and scared the bee geezus outta me," the lady said. We aren't asking her to lunch at the tearoom, are we? Yet she has three college educated children she put through school while scrubbing floors at the hospital. Everyone adores her. We are so shallow.
The same goes for tattoos, fat bellies, and bald guy comb overs.
It all boils down to this. We don't know why people talk, walk, or look like they do. So don't judge.
We are all here to be the best authentic person we can be. Instead of looking down at people, smile.
say,hi, what could it hurt?
There is a story about collective consciousness I have always remembered. Jane Goodall had lived with the gorillas for almost twenty years when she saw a young one do something no other gorilla had ever done. I wish I could remember what it was. Let's just say he ate a banana upside down.
She noted it. Five days later, every monkey in the group was doing this and then reports came in from around the world. All gorillas and monkeys were now doing the same thing.
Maybe we could do the same thing.
Maybe our positive thoughts and silent blessing to people will become a worldwide movement.
I can only hope that for one day you will try to not say anything that is not kind, true, or necessary.
It is a huge eye-opener.
Try not to think it either, because thoughts become your reality, only pick the good ones.
If I am preaching I am sorry, not my intent. Mostly I am trying to remind myself that we are here to create. Create books, good dinners, happy kids, wonderful days, memories, and clean floors... if that is all we know.
What will you create today?
Great post and I agree wholeheartedly. People can be so cruel and judgmental. I think part of it is human nature but we must be aware of it and stop this behavior.
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth, I hope I didn't come off as preaching. Maybe just an eye-opening blog. When I was in sales training I use to tell people to smile. It might be the only smile your client gets all day.
ReplyDeleteGrandma was right. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything. She was right about most things. One of my favorite sayings is the tag Ellen uses at the end of every show. "Be kind to one another."
ReplyDeleteI agree. I grew up with the saying, 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all'. I believe in that statement wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. I thought maybe we all needed a reminder. Every human being is having a struggle of one kind or another. They don't need us to make it worse with unkind remarks.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Susan. I've always tried to live by the 'Thumper Rule'. It isn't always easy, but why waste energy being negative when positive energy brings so much better results.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
A wonderful reminder from a beautiful person. Thank you, Susan.
ReplyDeleteNow this would make a great national holiday: Be Kind to Others Day. I think we all harbor negative thoughts and should focus more on the positive.
ReplyDeleteThe world would be a better place if people thought before they spoke.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I am big on teaching my students to "Be Nice." We all need to be nice. Thanks for sharing the monkey story. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the national holiday idea. Welcome to the First Annual Be Nice to Each Other Day. Has a good ring to it.
ReplyDeleteAnd Lisa, I am so glad you teach gentleness.
Forgive me for weighing in late. I can't help but agree. Having an opinion is not necessarily wrong. Degrading others just because they do not share your opinion is.
ReplyDeleteWell said Chuck.
ReplyDelete