Growing up I was always told, “Treat others how you want to be treated” and “Don’t do something you wouldn’t want someone to do to you.” Easy concept, right? Apparently, not so much, since it seems more and more people could care less about how they treat others these days.
As I get older, I am seeing that more and more people are self-centered and it’s all about what they want and getting instant gratification. They have the, “I want it and I want it now”, “I don’t care what you want or what you think” kind of attitudes. Trust me. I’m not innocent. I have been there, I have displayed both types of attitudes over the years. However, as I have grown older, my thought process has changed. It isn’t all about me anymore. Yes, I do still get that, “I want what I want when I want it” attitude from time to time, but I also know that working for what I want is more rewarding than having something given to me and I know I genuinely enjoy serving and giving to others.
I try my best to treat everyone with the same level of respect, honesty and loyalty, because I expect the same from them in return. You see, there’s that “treat others how you want to be treated” concept again, that was drilled into my head. Unfortunately, not everyone was taught that concept and if they were then they must have forgotten how to put it in action.
Take my daughters 7th grade classmates for instance. Yesterday, my daughter came home complaining about one of her teachers being “old, mean and rude” she told me how the other kids didn’t like the teacher and they are mean and make fun of the teacher. I looked right at my daughter and said, “You do know that teacher is probably someone’s mom, grandma, aunt, sister, or cousin? How would you feel if that was your Nana teaching the class and the kids were being disrespectful or rude to her? What if it was me?” She thought a moment, and said I wouldn’t like it. My point exactly, you don’t want someone close to you to be hurt or bullied, so why would you do it to someone else? I am constantly telling my kids you don’t need to like everyone that you come into contact with, but you at least need to respect them and not be rude. Believe me, I know sometimes it’s hard; there have been plenty of times where I have lost it and was rude and downright nasty to people, but you know what? I felt horrible after the fact and usually ended up calling to apologize and admit my shortcomings.
Sometimes we let our emotions get the best of us and they take over running rampant like a bull in a china shop, we might not mean what we say, but the damage has been done, just like the broken china, sometimes things can’t be taken back or fixed. We often speak to quickly without thinking what’s going to come out of our mouths. We don’t remember the popular saying “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” We forget words are like knives and can hurt. Whoever coined the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”, is an idiot. Words hurt. Words stick in the mind like glue. I am guilty of not thinking before I speak, and of telling it like it is at times, but my intentions are never to hurt someone. I’m sure we have all been hurt by the words or actions of someone else, all the more reason for us to pause and take a few minutes to gather our thoughts before speaking or lashing out at someone, because we are emotional or upset.
Remember, the person you are engaging with is someone’s spouse, parent, sibling, relative or friend. Think before you speak or act for that matter; would you want someone to talk to or treat your loved one the way you treat people? Would you be ok with someone throwing at spitball at your mother? How about a man cheating on your daughter? Is it ok for another teenager to call your Autistic brother a moron? The answer to all of those questions should be no, if you agree then remember to take some time to think about your actions, your words, and your attitude before you speak or act. Count to ten. Take a deep breath. Walk away for a minute. Tell the person you need a minute and call back. Do something so you aren't regretting your actions later. Make sure you are being the best person you can be and set an example for those around you, especially children.
It isn't everyday we are given second chances, so make the best of the first one you get.
