What if you could walk in another person’s shoes? Hear what they hear. See what they see. Feel what they feel. Would you treat them any differently?
Perhaps the lady you just blew the horn at and cussed out because she cut you off in traffic had just received the news that her husband was in a car accident and she was rushing to get to the hospital. What if you had known that? Would you have treated her differently?
What about the co-worker who did not speak to you this morning and you got offended. You decided you weren’t going to speak to them ever again. You decided to give them the cold shoulder all day. Maybe that co-worker just received the news that they have a terminal illness. What if you had known that? Would you have treated them any differently?
That man who cut in front of you in the grocery store line this morning had recently lost his job and his marriage. He did not even realize he had cut you off because his mind was preoccupied and burdened down. You got very upset with him for cutting the line. You gave him the evil eye and made nasty comments under your breath that he could actually hear. What if you had known what he was going through? Would you have treated him differently?
The bottom line is, we never know what another is going through. Wayne Dyer once said, “Don’t take anything personal.” I think that is great advice to live by. Greater advice would be to just be kind in every situation because we truly do not know what someone is going through. Stop getting your feelings hurt over the small stuff.
Many times I find myself being hurt or feeling some kind of negative emotion because of the action of another. I am becoming more aware of the need to not be offended by anything and not take anything personal. I have found it to be essential for my own peace.
What if we all practiced sending out love and kindness in ALL situations? The lady who cut you off in traffic may really need that love and kindness. The co-worker who did not speak to you this morning may really be in need of love and kindness. The man who cut in front of you in the grocery store line may feel depressed and hopeless. Your love and kindness could make a difference.
What if? Just what if?
We all can make a positive difference in this world and in the individual lives of so many just by practicing love and kindness regardless of the situation.
I set the intention today to practice love and kindness toward by fellow beings knowing that love and kindness will return to me multiplied abundantly.
I agree with your assumptions regarding people frame of mind, however living in a racist, selfish, materialistic and judgemental country, such as America, it is very difficult.
Kenneth,
Thanks once again for your response. You are right, it can be challenging. At the end of the day however, I believe it is our responsibility to be kind. We cannot control others behavior, racism, judgmental attitudes or selfishness. We are only in control of ourselves. Kindness and love always win out.
Love to you,
Vince
Excellent as usual Vince.
The biggest word in the English vocabulary is the word “IF”.
If we did this, if we said that, if we went there, if we didn’t wear that, if, if, if. Such a small word but huge in significance and meaning.
As you are aware, I’ve had a difficult life and made many mistakes, nothing criminal I should add, by taking the wrong peoples advice and guidance. However, saying that, I have 2 fantastic children and wouldn’t change them for the world. If I hadn’t taken the work path I took, if I hadn’t married Cruella De Ville, if I’d had a normal life then I wouldn’t have had my children,
You are right in commenting about the woman who cut you off or the work colleague or the man in the queue, no one know what’s going on through their minds at any specific moment in time, but by being understanding and an ear to people who have serious problems. not petty ones like ‘which restaurant shall we go’ or ‘what shall I wear’ you fill much more fulfilled and help the other person in talking out their fears and worries.
Vince, as you are aware, I sometimes go on Face Book and post ‘funnies’. People follow me because they think I’m happy and funny, but deep inside I’m boring as hell and hurt badly. No one can tell that for my posts. In fact close friends who have known me for years are surprised at what I have endured and am enduring, as that’s not who they see me as.
IF I hadn’t taken the jobs I did, IF I hadn’t made my fortune, IF I hadn’t married the wrong person, IF I hadn’t had my wonderful kids ….. whoa, I can’t imagine my life without my kids, so in this case the negative IF has created a difficult and strenuous positive strength in me to carry on until my task is completed.
I thank you for the excellent blog and look forward to reading the next episode in this book.
Keep well and most importantly, keep happy, IF ………
Yuri,
Thanks so much for your courage to share your story and your vulnerability. I really try not to live in the “IF” world because I would get stuck there. If only I had chosen a different partner, if only I had not slept with him, if only I had saved more money in my retirement account……..I could go on and on. I really am learning more and more to see the “IF’s” as lessons.
I am so grateful to you for sharing and for your support of me on this journey.
Keep enduring.
Much love,
Vince
Good read Vince! I have a big crush on you!
So very true Vince. I have to remind myself of that a lot.
Thank you Donovan. We can all remind each other of what’s important. I appreciate you.
Vince
Thank you Vince! This message came at the perfect time for me. Thanks.
Oscar,
Thanks so much for your reply. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Vince
This is so true, Vince. I thank God every day for blessing me in so many ways. We never know what someone else is going through and kindness is a way for us to bless others. Thanks for a great reminder!
Penny,
Thank you so much for your words. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned being thankful for your blessings. Gratitude goes a long way. I am grateful for you and your response. I look forward to hearing more from you. We can all help each other on this journey with gentle reminders. Much love to you.
Vince
Yes. On FB.
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Love this! I just saw the movie Shack last night and the same message was in that movie. have you seen it? It ts a must watch.
Shaun,
I did not see the Shack movie but I will after your response. I am so grateful that you are a reader of my work. It means so much to me.
Stay well,
Vince
Well said.
Laurel,
Thank you so much. Have a blessed week.
Vince
May I share?
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Patti,
I would be honored to have you share this blog. I am really grateful to you for taking time to read my thoughts and respond. It means a lot. I hope you have the best week ever. Much love,
Vince
Great message!
Thank you Patti