For your consideration…
Our words and our actions are results of our perceptions, beliefs, our love, our anger, our fear etc. No one else is responsible for them. No one else makes us say or do things. We own them because they come from us.
A bully reasons their words and actions by saying “They deserve it.” The reality is they are mirroring self-doubt, unworthiness of themselves, their own fear. They feel powerless and so they seek to steal it from others.
A victim believes they have no power or right to power while a survivor refuses to give it away or fights to regain it.
Disagreements happen because of how we feel. A person or event has ruffled our feathers or frightened us. Perhaps you have had some training in people skills like listening or conflict resolution. If not, maybe you have heard of the technique of “repeating back what you think you heard.” It gives the speaker the opportunity to hear what we are thinking they are saying. Sometimes it is correct but sometimes it is not what the speaker meant at all. Repeating back or “mirroring” the speaker allows for a “grace or cooling off” period. Sometimes clarification is the resolution. But sometimes it is not.
Sometimes we feel we must react with words or actions. That is ok. It is what we are meant to do. However, our message today wants us to remember that we “own” our words and actions. They come from our own belief and value system. If we feel “forced” into words or deeds, we need to pause and make sure we are choosing them wisely. We need to make sure they are coming from “our” authentic self.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take….
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Own your words, feelings and actions.
What made me smile yesterday…
-Shannon and AJ took me out to breakfast for my birthday.
-Finishing a good book.
-Talking to my sister.
-Having fun with my new Echo. We must be getting old because Bruce and I laugh out loud at “Alexa’s” jokes.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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