Power of Words

"The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to a fellow human being" -Lee Lacocca

Recently I have learned the impact words can have on other people's lives. Not that I was unaware of how vindictive words would hurt my friends and family, but I never noticed how deeply we can impact people we hardly even know. I was approached by someone I had zero desire to speak to, about a subject that I had even less desire to speak about. My initial instinct was to be very negative, even downright nasty. Especially as this person approached me in a very uncouth manner, bringing up things that really were none of their business.

However, since November 8th I have been inundated with negativity on every platform possible. It's something that has really affected me, I've felt very weighed down and broken hearted; both because of things going on in this world and personal events in my life. So I chose to be kind to this person instead of giving in to my mean-spirited inclination. I was surprised to find that I understood completely where this person was coming from, and spent about ten minutes engaging in a brief conversation with them. Overall it cost me very little effort and time, yet I was met with extreme amounts of gratitude. Ten minutes to listen to a person I don't know, and it meant something to that person.

Unfortunately I found out later that this particular person ended up seriously harming themselves, intentionally, a few nights after our conversation. They're going through an extreme period of heartache and let it get the best of them. I knew they were fragile, but wasn't aware they were in that serious need of help. I can't help but wonder, what would have happened had I spoken with my gut reaction? Would they have harmed themselves more? Or to the point of no return?

I could play the "what if?" game for hours, but given their current mental state it is not a far leap to think they may have considered suicide to be a viable option. How would I feel about myself if that had been the case? Not to say that I personally have that much power in this person's life, but with everything else going on, I could easily see it being the straw to break the camels back. Even if I had been petty and rude, and all they ended up doing was hurting themselves; I would have still felt guilty. As though I played a part in it, I would have always wondered if I had reacted differently if they wouldn't have sought help in self harm.

As I mentioned, since election night I have just felt wrenched with all the hate being poured out; it's something that has affected me on a level I never could have imagined and has motivated me to be positive and to make a change. Which is actually quite comical as I have been known to be very negative at times. But I truly believe, why tear someone down when you can build them up? And this recent experience has only made me feel more afire about being positive, kind, up-lifting, and gracious whenever possible.

The other day I commented on someone's Facebook post, she had posted a picture saying that she was confused and didn't understand it. I explained the most accepted interpretation and why I supported the idea behind it. One of their friends had commented, negatively, which opened a discussion between myself and three others. I was attacked, one even going so far as to call me "snowflake". All because I had dared to explain something they had asked to understand. I had my motives, reasoning, and knowledge attacked, it was such a hateful conversation.

I was essentially told that I, myself, would never be able to make a difference and that I was only doing it for selfish reasons; to spin a certain image for myself. I was devastated. I was disheartened, how could someone be so hateful, so bitter to someone who wants to do good in this world? I was not affected by what words were said to me, or how I personally was being attacked; believe me I have much thicker skin than that. But I was dismayed at their view of the world, that in their misery they must bring other people down.

However, I was not, and will not be deterred in the things I would like to accomplish. I have worked extremely hard to get where I currently am, to overcome obstacles in my path. I am definitely not foolish enough, to let naysayers bring me down. In fact quite the opposite, it has only revitalized my desire to add more kindness to the world.

Something we sorely need.

#LoveTrumpsHate #Kindness #positivity #Grace #Change #PositiveChange