Today I thought I would share some of my thoughts.
Recently I have encounter several situations with some very unkind people. Really, just plain, downright NASTY individuals.
It was disheartening to me to see that there are SO many individuals in this world like this.
I encountered one that chose to just grace my presence with something beyond rude and ignorant to say and I had never met this individual before or even encounter him before.
The other thing I encountered this week was with individuals who I've experienced doing unkind things to others and dishonest acts, assume that because this is something they do regularly that a kind gesture by another must also, in their minds, be done with vindictiveness and that this individual whom was looking out for their best interests was doing this act with some kind of malicious plan in store for them.
With both of these situations, I personally have a hard time wrapping my head around this mentality because these are not thoughts that process through my mind, EVER!
It took me a long time to really process this, but the way I see it, a person that finds it the norm to do dishonest and malicious things would only expect other people to do the same thing!
To me this is SO sad!! These particular individuals will go through life NEVER seeing the generosity and kindness of others!
I could have been very hurt and allowed these individuals to really affect my days, but I CHOSE HAPPINESS!! Why? Because our reactions are a choice just like their miserable ways are also a choice! I chose happiness because I would rather make a positive ripple in my life than a negative ripple.
What can I do for these individual? I can pray for them and that is precisely what I did. I forgave them and my hope is that someday God will soften their hearts and reach their sour souls!
Another reason that I chose happiness is because I would rather walk away from such a situation and know that if I come in contact with another individual that I can be a light to them in some way. No one can be a light to another person if we are harboring negativity.
Many people would take such events to heart and allow it to affect their day, maybe even several, asking those questions why? You honestly may NEVER know the why? Something else I realized over the years and through this situation is that you can not please everyone and not everyone is going to like you! Additionally, when someone is harboring hate, struggles with self worth, are unhappy with their lives, often times they take great pleasure in wanting other people to suffer along with them. All of the things they are harboring cause them to be jealous of people that are happy and enjoying their lives.
The best gift we can give to such a person is a smile, sharing our kindness and praying for them. More often than not, these people have not found Jesus and really need his help more than anyone else's.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
—Luke 6:37
Something else I would like to mention here is that when you come in contact with random people such as I did – you can pray for them and move on. We can also choose whom we wish to spend our time with. If people have a tendency to bring us down, put us down or are just down right rude and mean – it is a choice to continue to spend time with them! Pray for them, forgive them, share some love and move on knowing that you may have made a positive impact on them, but chose to be happy and remove the negativity from your life. If these particular people are in your family, well this could be a bit more complicated, BUT don't give up on them and trust that God will answer your prayers and soften their hearts. The other option is to seek help if these people are in direct contact with you day in and day out – you do deserve proper treatment and a happy life too!
So no matter what comes your way, remember that EVERYTHING you do, say and feel is a choice!! You can choose to change your feelings, you can choose your words wisely and you can continue to do acts of kindness even when facing great struggles, adversity and mean people.
Choose happiness, I did!!
How do you handle such situations?
For more positive inspiration: Choosing An Optimistic Life
You know I worked with someone like that not long ago. It was so tempting to retaliate. I had to constantly remind myself that hurting people hurt other people.
Heidi
Thanks SO much for taking the time to read my post! YES it can be SO hard – I have to admit there are times inside I struggle with that too, but I end up feeling sad and sorry for them and then just pray for them and go on about my business. I have decided at this point in my life it is not worth allowing them to affect not even a second of my day. My time is valuable and I would much rather spend that second loving up on one of my loved ones!! Blessings lovely lady.. Prayers your way and continue doin’ what you are doin’! 🙂
I try to treat others as I would want them to treat me. I like to smile at people I pass by and hope it helps lift their spirits if they are in a bad place at the time.
Thank you Jill for taking the time to read my post and to leave me your thoughts… I too do the same… Treating others as we wish to be treated sets the precedence and the attitude!! You made me think of my grandfather and my mother. My grandfather used to always tell me to put my smile on when I got dressed in the morning and my Mother always told me to smile at people because you never know who needs one…. LOVE IT!! Thank you for sending my thoughts in their direction and glad to meet another kindred spirit who is sharing the love with something as simple as a smile!! Blessings to you and yours and you too keep doing what you are doing!! Changing people one smile at a time… <3