I love to go down to the dock early in the morning and view the calm, clear glass of the lake. The ripples of every movement are very apparent at this time of day. The jump of a fish. The waves from a passing fishing boat. The impact of a tossed stone. Watching these ripples and waves is peaceful and mesmerizing.
Our words and actions cause emotional ripples and waves. A word of praise, a harsh retort, a snide remark all buffet against those we meet. These comments and actions, which take just a moment, often have a lasting impact on others.
Every Action has an Equal and Opposite Reaction, so states Sir Issac Newton’s third law of physics. While Sir Newton was not talking about emotions, this law does have application. Kind words lead to more kinds words. Screaming tends to lead to more screaming.
Yesterday, I had to make a decision about my behavior. Was I going to allow the actions of another person to impact the way I treated them? Or was I going to live my life my way, regardless of how I had been treated in the past. Some people may call me a wimp, but I chose to show kindness and offer help. Why? First, I believe I am an adult and I don’t want other people’s behavior to dictate mine. Second, I do not want my actions or words to cause another person to stumble.
Life is not about a tit for a tat. Life is bigger than that. People don’t owe me a thing. I owe myself much. My actions have a deep impact on me. If I want to take care of myself, I need to stay true to my own beliefs and share love. Dorky, I know, but it is who I am.
So… Find Love (by Clem Snide) and then give it all away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juaKGXrw4lU
Prairie Wisdom 
I don’t think that staying true to yourself is dorky. In fact, I believe it is the most un-dorky behavior imaginable.
We all have to act and live with those actions. If those actions are kind, well, then, what is there to regret.
I have your back, PW. If anyone calls you dorky, send them to me.
What a wonderful gift, to know that you have my back. I really appreciate it. We are all better together. Thank you.
:)
You are not dorky at all. I wish people would give more thought to their words and actions.
Thanks Karen. So do I. Wouldn’t this world be an even more amazing place?
It’s not dorky at all…it is Christlike and He is very pleased with you for choosing His way. May you feel His love and pleasure as you choose His ways!
Thanks Megan, I certainly do feel the love as I keep my eyes focused on my own walk.
I once read a book , entitled “The Noticer” written by Andy Andrews a blend of fiction, allegory, and inspiration. anyway…it premised the idea of becoming a “noticer”, and how this just might change a person’s life forever. ..to look a bit closer; consider the origin of their behavior …to see what’s really going on in a person’s situation and look at it from a different, healthier, more productive perspective. Dorky, nah….but,we do know which actions bring us happiness, pleasure and confidence. So, we do the actions that make us feel good. It is the action, the behavior that comes first. You are an inspiration, Dear girl.
Jess
I have not heard about that book but it sounds very intriguing. Wise, wise words. Thank you!
I am going to try to answer this with a picture…https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=269536383120411&set=a.126895770717807.28294.126894987384552&type=1&theater
Love Dr. Seuss. We learn a lot from his books and quotes. Thanks!
I’ll take a dose of dorky if it means being positive and not letting others dictate our moods. Bravo to you.
Trying to stay true to self is sometimes a challenge, isn’t it?
This is the brave thing to do. Congratulations!
Thanks! I really appreciate the support. It means so much.
I read this post while listening to the beautiful music. :) I don’t think you’re a wimp at all, to the contrary, your words speak of great kindness and a big heart. Making yourself independent of others takes a lot of courage, but it is also very freeing and the only way to get out of the circle or one reaction triggering the next triggering the next triggering the next triggering the next …
Independence is important. Learning to be independent while part of a community of people is a challenge.
I’ve had to deal with this lately, too – somehow I thought that (when I was a kid) adults don’t have relationship problems…boy, was I wrong! I’ve had to learn to say Just Let it Go…a LOT!!!
I keep telling my kids that life continues to be a journey and lessons are learned each day. We don’t get to graduate from troubles do we?
Sadly, no!