Remember the old saying, "Do unto others as you would have done unto you," or "Treat others way you want to be treated"?
We've heard it before, but somehow we forget to actually live it. Society rewards the selfish brats of the world with fame and fortune, but don't fall into the "get them before they get me" mindtrap. I challenge you to slow down for a moment and consider the words, actions and ATTITUDES you bring into your relationships. Look around--the people out there having the most fun with the most friends and greatest respect are also the ones who also practice good manners on a regular basis.
They are humble.
They are kind.
They listen.
They find the good in others.
They don't take themselves too seriously.
They do their best.
I get it--it takes loads of patience and determination to go out in this Big Bad World to slay dragons all day, put food on the table, run your kids from here to Kingdom Come in an overstuffed mini-van, and keep your spouse, boss, co-workers, friends, family and everyone else convinced you've got it all together. A perfect storm that makes us forget the most basic life lesson.
Stop for a minute and realize the world does not in fact rest on your shoulders. It will all be OK. Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
How do you make others feel?
I hope to make my family feel loved unconditionally.
I hope to make my friends feel supported.
I hope to make my colleagues feel valued and empowered.
I hope to make strangers feel special, even if it's just a smile or letting them go first at a 4-way stop.
I hope to make you feel a bit wiser.
I'd love to read your examples of the Golden Rule at work in your life, whether you offered or received it. :)
