Life is always interesting.
Sometimes infuriating, often unfair but always interesting.
At least it is if you are paying attention.
On days like today I find myself wondering how I could ever experience writer’s block when there is just so much life to write about.
The truth is not everything moves me to action, but when it does I am futile at trying to just sit by and let things go.
Today, someone made a request online that her friends (to paraphrase) limit the number of inspiration quotes and photos they post on Facebook to 2-3 because some are posting up to 10 a day (and she included an “oh my gosh isn’t that ridiculous exclamation point as well). She said she enjoys our status updates and personal photos but was asking that everyone limits these other type of posts.
You know, the ones they are posting to their own Facebook wall.
And there lies my call to action.
The truth is that as a society we have become so weak, self-indulging, coddled, lazy and self-centered that we believe the world should adjust so as not to offend our delicate sensibilities.
Regular readers of my blog know I work to see the good in people and strive to focus on how we can, as Mother Teresa said, “be the change we want to see in the world” rather than trying to change the world.
However, there are times when we need to shine a light on things and wake people the hell up!
So I am going to let those people (the ones that would ask 311 people to adjust their behavior because she finds it annoying) in on a secret.
The world is not your mommy, and our job is not to protect you from anything YOU might find unpleasant, tiresome, boring or lacking in value. In addition, just because you are stressed, rushed, tired, over-worked, underpaid, miserable, in a bad marriage, no marriage, overweight, allergic-to, lonely, or just a miserable human being does not mean it is the job of the rest of the world to get out of your way or repay you for YOUR life.
If you want to truly see your own life improve-stop thinking only of yourself and consider others.
That person you are honking at and tailgating in traffic is a human being-it is not their fault you got up late for work.
Let us take some ownership people and look at ourselves (perhaps why you find that there could be too much inspiration in the world?) Consider others, be respectful and most importantly be TOLERANT of those that are different from you and have different views.
Asking someone to limit the number of inspirational quotes they post on their own page?
It’s like asking a musician to limit the number of songs he writes because you only like to listen to so much music.
So let’s start a movement, a small one that I hope will spread.
Today, before you react to ANYTHING that involves others, stop and think,
“how does the other person feel?”
Are you strong enough?
Wow, she struck a cord! Well, I think people like this should be handled one way, don’t let them change who you are and don’t let them get to you. Just listen to what they are saying and find out where it comes from and maybe see their point of view (which doesn’t mean you have to take it as your own). But, like you said, “Today before you react to anything that involves others, stop and think, “how does the other person feel?” This applies to everyone even the person who wants people to limit the posting of inspirational quotes. I would say, let us not allow the EGO to move us and listen only to the HEART and we will all move in the right direction.
Michelle it really did strike a chord but was actually the first in a series of events that happened today and it just seemed so sad that people feel the need to only value themselves.
You make a good point, extending the courtesy to the person who made the request. I did think maybe she really doesn’t understand Facebook and maybe she thought people were sending things directly to her-who knows. Thanks for reading and for responding!