Charity begins at home
I read a quote by Maya Angelou today that made me say AMEN sister. It is something that I constantly speak about to people who are close to me, and it's one of the traits that I am glad to say that I have worked hard to maintain. If you read my blog on the Essence of Time, you will completely understand what I mean.
Her quote simply read: "If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people that you love. Don't be surly at home, then start grinning 'Good morning' at total strangers."
This is soooo important, because too often we take our fatigue, our frustrations and all of our negative energy and emotions out on those around us--those who are actually in our corner, and who already endure those emotions on our behalf. My mother often told me as a child, "no one suffers alone". Keeping that in mind, whether true suffering or going through uncomfortable or difficult situations, it is important to recall that as adults and spiritual beings, we first should understand that our loved ones are going to endure these emotions with us anyway, so we should remember to use care when dealing with those closest to us.
A perfect example. I have a friend, and every time he is tired or "the wind blows in the wrong direction", even if I greet him with a smile or answer his phone call in a pleasant tone, I receive a response that is not reciprocating my greeting. My initial thoughts usually include: "I didn't make you play basketball all morning until you're tired and irritable (hey, you're not 18 anymore!), so why are you taking it out on me? I didn't make you work until late into the night, so why are you blaming me for being sleepy? Whomever rubbed you the wrong way, sorry, but I'm not that individual!"
We need to stop basing situations around us on how we treat people, and realize that moments are very important. So, if you don't feel like talking, don't call. If you don't feel like being bothered, don't come around. Remember why you chose this person to be in your life, or if it's a family member, understand how they need, expect and should be treated.
See, love and care does not begin with strangers, co-workers or the guy/girl you're trying to impress. It begins at home, with the people who love you, and are for you--today and everyday.
Peace.
Her quote simply read: "If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people that you love. Don't be surly at home, then start grinning 'Good morning' at total strangers."
This is soooo important, because too often we take our fatigue, our frustrations and all of our negative energy and emotions out on those around us--those who are actually in our corner, and who already endure those emotions on our behalf. My mother often told me as a child, "no one suffers alone". Keeping that in mind, whether true suffering or going through uncomfortable or difficult situations, it is important to recall that as adults and spiritual beings, we first should understand that our loved ones are going to endure these emotions with us anyway, so we should remember to use care when dealing with those closest to us.
A perfect example. I have a friend, and every time he is tired or "the wind blows in the wrong direction", even if I greet him with a smile or answer his phone call in a pleasant tone, I receive a response that is not reciprocating my greeting. My initial thoughts usually include: "I didn't make you play basketball all morning until you're tired and irritable (hey, you're not 18 anymore!), so why are you taking it out on me? I didn't make you work until late into the night, so why are you blaming me for being sleepy? Whomever rubbed you the wrong way, sorry, but I'm not that individual!"
We need to stop basing situations around us on how we treat people, and realize that moments are very important. So, if you don't feel like talking, don't call. If you don't feel like being bothered, don't come around. Remember why you chose this person to be in your life, or if it's a family member, understand how they need, expect and should be treated.
See, love and care does not begin with strangers, co-workers or the guy/girl you're trying to impress. It begins at home, with the people who love you, and are for you--today and everyday.
Peace.
posted by Blu Sol at 2/17/2007 07:32:00 PM
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