It is so simple to be nice and embrace others, but we find it such an arduous task. Being nice to others has become the equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest, swimming the English Channel, and diving head first off the jagged cliffs of Victoria Falls in Africa. We associate niceties with weakness, with a defective mentality, or categorize it as strange. Its almost been executed with out a fair trial and twisted like the plots of a mystery novel. But why the hell has it become so hard to be courteous and accommodating? Why can't we find a kind word to offer or genuinely give a damn about the welfare of others?
Some would answer those questions with the response that they are only "acting" or "reacting" to the "common" daily attitudes of others. Some would say that the actions of others orchestrate how they practice human dignity and self respect. But why do we allow the errant actions and poor behaviors of others to dictate our own behavior and personal conduct? When did we become so "reactionary" and "weak" that we allow the emotional response of situational exchanges to ruin our character and eviscerate our inner strengths? What others do should never drive us to emotional instability. What others do should not put a stamp on how "we" act or "react". Our personal dignity, our common decency, and our "wholeness" as an individual should never be dismantled by the stubbornness or weaknesses of other individuals, groups, and circles.
I am under no delusion that we can be robotic automatons that turn our emotional antennas "on" and "off" conveniently to address every encounter. But we have the knowledge and wisdom to curb our reactionary tendencies and exercise control without losing control and losing our dignity. No matter what others do, we can still keep the sunshine in our day and treat them, and others, with respect. Despite the negative vibes of a few, we must remain positive; even if we have to take a moment and walk it off. We can not afford to allow others to rule our actions, our thinking, and our words.
Be kind and be loving. Even if others are not.
Aljin Haynes
Empowerment Leader &
Emboldened Activist for Change
Enlightened and Empowerment Ministries
Impacting the World One Spirit at A Time
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