Do you remember the golden rule? “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” I have been reflecting on this and being painfully honest with myself about the many instances within the course of my life where I have lived a double standard. I would expect people to treat me a certain way without extending the same respect to them.
I am opening my eyes and being truthful with myself about the real underlying reasons I do the things I do and taking responsibility for my behavior. Every situation in your life offers you choices. If your choices are made impulsively and in the moment, without conscious thought about how the particular choice will affect everyone involved, we could end up living a life full of regret inflicting much pain onto others and ultimately hurting ourselves.
I recognize that I can ponder and reflect on my life situations, and that I always have the time I need to make the right choices. There is no need to rush. I have made a decision to slow down and stop making decisions based on fear and insecurity, but instead make decisions based on love and integrity. It takes practice to be conscious of your life and your choices, but with a clear intention and awareness we can make choices that are beneficial for everyone involved.
Times are changing, and I believe the old ways of the “all about me thinking” have to dissolve to reach peace amongst each other. We must begin to care and have respect for our fellow human beings if we are to change things for the better here.
In order for this to happen, you must be willing to take a good look at your ego’s need for “self-preservation” to work past the issues that turn you into the angry victim, causing you to close your heart and live a life of separation. With the right kind of mindset and shift in thinking, this can be done. If we switch our thinking to one of freedom and compassion, then we can find a way to control our anger. If you look past what “someone has done TO you” and look to the core of what is really happening underneath, knowing that people often hurt other people because they are hurting themselves, then you can reach that compassionate space within your heart and move from there.
It is also necessary to remember how important clear heart centered communication is in these matters. If someone has done something that has hurt you, you can let them know in a loving way. Give them an opportunity to work with you, how many times do we get upset at someone without ever giving them the opportunity to explain themselves, or giving ourselves the opportunity to see their side? This is one sided; working together opens us up to all sides. Practicing clear communication will bring us all back together. If we clearly communicate and truly listen to each other, there is no limit to what we can build together.
