Musings Gratitude Day 54

“When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time.”

― Maya Angelou

“Good communication has just a little to do with eloquence. It’s character that makes it more successful. Harsh words nicely articulated are sharp enough to kill your brand!”

― Israelmore Ayivor, The Great Hand Book of Quotes

Today I am grateful that I can see with new eyes, hear with new ears, and feel with a new heart.

Because someone I admired, someone with influence in his or her circle, attacked a long-standing childhood friend in a most dreadful way.

On social media, not anonymously, but using her first and last name.

My friend who is kind, tenderhearted, and truly one of the best people I know. My friend who stands by me, supports me through every phase, every death, every life-changing moment in my life. One of the few people who has the guts to call me out. Someone I would die for.

That friend whom I consider to be my sister.

As I read, it was as if my soul was dipped in acid.

Then other individuals started chiming in. Followers. Piling on in agreement. Fanning the fire that I was standing in. When I commented in her defense, I was attacked.

Looking on from outside my body.

Watching my soul being torn apart.

I have watched and listened for a very long time as individuals were counseled with kindness, patience, and grace.

Not this time.

“Speak with caution. Even if someone forgives harsh words you’ve spoken, they may be too hurt to ever forget them. Don’t leave a legacy of pain and regret of things you never should have said.”
― Germany Kent

I realized that words truly do have power.

The power to build up, or tear down in an instant.

The power to heal or destroy.

Words can also shatter one’s reputation as a caring individual in the blink of an eye.

Words may cause someone who is teetering on the edge of the abyss to make that fatal leap, or turn around towards the light.

Words can open a mind to new territory, or make a heart as cold as stone.

Words can cause one to forget every, single, word spoken before.

While everyone is allowed to believe their own truth, tearing down another soul publicly, using a first and last name, is just not cool.

“We are all just walking each other home”

— Ram Dass

We should walk each other home

in kindness and compassion.

Teaching lessons and reaching out,

building up instead of tearing down.

Loving instead of hurting.

Out beyond ideas

of wrongdoing

and rightdoing

there is a field.

I’ll meet you there.

— Rumi

In the future, I will be more careful with myself.

With my soul.

I will be more guarded with whom I believe,

allow to influence me.

In the end.

Every.

Single.

Time.

Kindness

Wins.

XO Lisa