Lately I’ve been thinking.
Great thoughts?
Not necessarily Great. But reflective!
It came about after a conversation I had with my mom, my wife, my daughter, and my only brother.
We were talking about religion. Not about which was right or better.
Specifically about the times when some will cite their beliefs in order to justify actions that are not necessarily “religiously correct.” Or even remotely associated with the core tenets of any known religion.
Talk about convenient, or is it inconvenient, contradictions! I’m sure you’ve heard them too.
The daily news cycle seems to love to highlight angry people.
Let me just say for the record. I’m a believer. In a higher power. No question.
You? You’re free to believe. In whatever you want.
We all know life is hard. But the belief I try to aspire to is, simply stated, not.
Although I have to admit while the belief is simple, the actual doing is not always easy.
Because it involves dealing with…other people!
It’s all about….
Love.
Love one another.
That’s it, to me.
All there is to it.
The core of everything else.
Life can’t be about hate.
You disagree with me so I hate you?
That can’t be right.
And it’s definitely got to be more than merely tolerating others, too.
Just Love. That’s it.
Even those who hate.
That’s not always easy because this belief means everyone.
Not just those we already like.
In Reaching Resolutions, I try to resolve disputes. Labor disputes, contract disputes, arguments, all disputes.
I have had to learn to not take things …
Personally.
That’s it, really. My big reaching resolutions secret.
In my job I get the negatives. And I know not to take it personally. Even if it was meant to be taken that way.
I got the bag of dicks candy sent to my home. That made me laugh. Nice Try
I saw the signs that read
“JT is a liar. Or the other one “JT is a douche.”
douche
Then the angry words sent online.
Disagree with my position? Okay, I get it.
I’m not angry, not mad.
I may not change. But you don’t have to change your stance either.
It’s not personal to me, nor should it be to you.
And Judging?
It strikes me as funny when I’m told not to be judgemental. Usually it’s from someone who is disagreeing with me.
Doesn’t that mean the person telling me has already done just that?
Judging me?
A good friend of mine told me simply and eloquently…
“Don’t assign intent.”
Don’t judge or assume another’s intent. Their intent may not actually be even close to the negative I’ve imagined.
Good advice Amy.
I grew up in the 60’s.
Came of age in the 70’s.
Seen a lot of things that some today consider new! Especially in my work.
“What do you mean you’ve done this before, I just thought of it!”
Or, the “I’m doing it for the right reasons!” justification for everything.
No matter, it all comes down to one thing.
It’s not personal.
Not At All.
And the less I take personally, the closer I can get to that core belief.
The “Love One Another” one mentioned above. And I admit, I may not always get there but I am trying.
So there you have it.
My last reflection.
Peace, bro.
Oh, and love you too.
JT
Sometimes tho, you just need to be superbad…
Hit it James…
Responses to “My Last Reflection”
dept of edu
I got this website from my buddy who informed me about this site and now this time I am visiting this site and reading very informative posts here.
online education programs
I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!
importance of education
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
You have it right John. Love one another and accept our differences. Find the best in all you meet.