Words That Hurt

Frequently we find ourselves going through life on what could be considered autopilot. We become too consumed in our own thoughts, not that focusing on ourself is negative, but we tend to engulf ourselves in our own conundrums and internal conflicts. This causes us to pull the blinds down over others which are also faced with the same worries and thoughts. We forget that others have the same emotions, and no matter the severity, we should treat them with the same tenderness we treat ourselves. Every person is and feels differently than the next, meaning some may handle their emotions differently, taking what may seem minuet to you a bit more personally and on a different level of consciousness. 

Some could argue, "we should never take anything personally." But what about those of us who are still working on that trait? Personally, I have read and scanned through The Four Agreements  multiple times, the second agreement being, 'Don't Take Anything Personally.' However, this is much easier said than done. There are a select few types of personalities that can bring me to tears within a matter of seconds. And being a restaurant server, I have witnessed a multitude of personality types-- too many. 

Think about a time where you may have snapped at someone. Of course, you did not intentionally mean to hurt this persons feelings, and I'm sure you didn't realize the effect it actually had on them. You continued moving on throughout your day, while this person may have been hurt and whether they choose to or not, they continue to think of your chosen words. It hurt. What if what you said was something they already battle with themselves internally? You just poked an already open wound. Sure, you didn't think what you said was that hurtful, but what isn't hurtful to you is different to another. Now, reverse the situation. Can you recall a time someone has snapped at you or said something painful? Or gossiped or said something untrue about you? Causing you to mull on it, over and over until it brings you down completely? We've all been there. Recently, there has become an awareness of teen/early adult suicide, which has increased at an alarming rate-- all a result of bullying. 

I'm not stating that by snapping at someone makes you a bully, but consider the fact that it may have been the straw that broke the camels back, for that person. The person you just snapped at, although a smile is present on their face, just lost their job, a family member, is battling with depression, etc. What I'm trying to express is to be more mindful of the things you say to people. Remember what your parents used to say and treat people the way you'd like to be treated. I understand if you're upset with someone because of a mistake they made or something they may have done to set you off. But please keep in mind, we all make mistakes. We are human. Although some mistakes are more serious than others, each of us learns from them. We ARE human. How else would we become the person we aspire to be without first falling down? We need the lows to appreciate the highs. And if we're all a bit more attentive to the emotional needs of others, the lows won't be so bad-- we'll have each other to lean on and to help us back up. You're never alone. Today, choose to say something nice to someone and make their day. Smile at a stranger or help someone in need. And I'm sure, next time you're the one who's down, there will be someone there to help pick you back up.