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.
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AuthorOne committed to processing truth, finding light in the darkness, savoring the simple, and living fully. Archives
September 2020
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