Help

Have you shared a part of yourself to only have another invalidate your feelings . . . or worse, try to one-up you?  I think many, if not most of us, have been there, either as a witness or a recipient.  It wounds as the recipient and makes me cringe as a witness.  I’ve learned and will continue to learn the life-long lesson—it isn’t about me.  Ultimately, the attack, the disparaging words, the eye-roll, the sigh . . . it’s not about me, it’s about them.  It’s not about you; it’s about them. 
 
So, in a world where the hurt is inevitable, what can you do?  For me, I try, and at times through tears and pain, remind myself of that truth—and to be honest, sometimes I have to practically tape a note to my head—IT’S NOT ABOUT ME.  Now, it is just as pervasive to see others wounded by a callous word or act.  What can you do?  Here I am reminded of the words of Ann Voskamp, “We aren’t here to one-up another, but to help one another up.”  So, when I witness the wound, the sting, the bleeding , I receive my marching orders—give, lend, comfort, encourage, reassure . . . love.  Treat the wounded the way I want to be treated.  As with most things that matter, it can be hard to put into practice BUT always worth its weight in gold.