Golden Rule

I don't know anyone who is not familiar with the "golden rule." I remember it being taught to me since I started schooling. Those days when we are usually in conflict with our classmates. I guess it has always been easier to teach someone how to be kind by putting that person in the place of another individual's shoes. Presenting a new perspective has a better impact because we think and make realizations using our brain. So why am I writing this instead of doing office work? The start of 2017 has been rough for the family since the passing of a loved one but the challenge continued for me when I had to take a leave from work to nurse my Shingles (7 days and counting. Ouch!). The long days of isolation led me to do some reflection on the behaviors I am recently observing (and experiencing..? 😏) most particularly with regards to this Golden Rule.  

Have you ever been faced with the situation wherein you wanted to return the frustration, resentment or any other negative feeling a person brought you back to them? May it be of failed relationships, misunderstandings or just because you cannot do the things they are enjoying at the moment? Isn't it a selfish act to find yourself dragging others down just because you aren't able to do the things that they are doing? I always thought it is easier to show kindness rather than being rude because when you do you exert much more effort than just smiling and letting things go. I wonder how other people choose to do otherwise. Will it be better to hold grudges? Does it help them achieve a notch higher in their disposition when they do so? I would've understood better if the other person did something abusive and unforgivable but to always have something negative to say or do to them even if they are quietly living their own happy lives? I seriously think, it's a big NO. 

Whenever I am surrounded with these negative energies, first thing I would do is breathe and think things through. Should I speak or should I not? What shouldn't and what needs to be told? At times, I would pray for extended patience and understanding so that I may not be able to hurt anyone even if I am not at fault. You see, regardless of the reason behind their wrongdoings, we all need to be forgiving just like how HE is to us. Oh how good and harmonious life would be if we can all learn to adjust our own temperament because it is not just for the benefit of others but also for ourselves - for our own peace and clear conscience. 

I may be crazy but my hopes and expectations for myself are high; that I never get tired and I will never ever step down to the level of those who would talk behind my back, use my name as an excuse, speak ill or think negative of me. Not because I think of myself as righteous but because I wanted to be the BIGGER person than them. Not because I am pretentious but because I am also hoping that in the future, if they get tired of contradicting me, they would just return the favor and do good to me. At the end of the day, we need more (and ONLY) dose of positivity in our lives.