People say things.
All sorts of things.
Most of the things they say we believe. As facts. As truth.
And then we add meaning about ourselves to their words.
For example:
“You’re so annoying.”
Words spoken out of an older brother’s mouth to a younger brother.
Younger brother believes the words are facts or truth about him.
He makes it mean that he’s actually annoying. He internalizes that he’s annoying.
Then he feels angry.
Anger drives him to say similar words to his older brother.
And the cycle continues. Back and forth.
My friends, if you believe anything, believe this.
Words that are spoken are not facts simply because they were spoken.
Filter everything, EVERYTHING, you hear.
Filter it by asking some simple questions.
Is it true? Is it a fact? Do I believe it? Do I want to believe it?
What do I want to make it mean?
Then…
Notice how often you feel affected by other people’s words.
Their words are just words.
They don’t affect you unless you let them.
Their words don’t mean anything about you unless you allow them to.
Be intentional.
It’s your “response-ability” to decide how to respond to things people say.
Photo by Sophie Dale on Unsplash
