Today's
Meditation:
Sometimes
I'm quite amazed at how much time in my life I've spent
being concerned about what other people think or say about
me. And yes, as much as I hate to admit it I find
that I still have concerns about it. But the feeling
is just a feeling-- in my mind I know that what other
people think or say really doesn't matter for all
practical purposes. But just try to get my mind to
affect those feelings. . . .
I
always tell other people not to worry about what others
say because those whose opinions truly matter will tell
you things that are complimentary and encouraging.
If someone wants to tell me negative and discouraging
things, though, then it's quite obvious that the person
isn't one of those people who are truly worth listening
to.
Discernment
is an important gift for many of us, but it also is a
skill that can be strengthened if we practice it
regularly. Which people truly matter in our
lives? Just because we're acquainted with someone
doesn't necessarily mean that the person is someone who's
going to add to our lives in positive ways. And if
they're not adding in positive ways, then why worry about
what they're going to to say to us in any given situation?
Of course, there are times when constructive criticism is
the best thing we can get. Not everything we say to
other people should be super positive if they're engaging
in self-destructive behaviors, for example. But
again, discernment is the key here, being able to
distinguish between the times when it's important to let
people know that something is wrong and the times when
they simply need a bit of encouragement.
As
for me, I want to be one of those people who always say
"Good luck," or "Way to go," or
"You're quite a special person." I want to
be a person whose opinion other people find important not
because I always compliment for no real reason, but
because I give sincere encouragement always-- for it's
something we all can use, all the time.
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