TAKING OFFENSE Have I ever sought to find the tiny spark that detonated a family row that brought into the open ugly words and violent recriminations? Can I admit that I may have caused it by being too quick to react to a ridiculous accusation or denunciation? Do I take everything another says – in their frustrated rage with themselves – as an offense to me? When the guilt of another explodes, I must realize that it is always aimed at those nearest, and often dearest. I want to remind myself that such outbursts only reveal another’s own unhappiness. I will not make the situation worse by taking seriously what they say at such times. Today’s Reminder A long-ago childhood chant provides a simple answer; “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” Unless WE let them. “Let me learn to keep peace with silence when it is not the right time to say what comes to mind.” “…there is a time to keep silence and a time to speak…” Heard in a meeting: “If they called you a chair, would that make you one? Of course not!”
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:34:23 +0000
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