None of us really know how our life will end, or the twists and turns that we will undoubtedly endure or enjoy in this life.
We won’t always have control over our destiny, but we do have control over how we respond in life.
Every day we use words, phrases and idioms coined through thousands of years of human history.
By means of our senses, we explore the world we live in. Our feelings are moved through the power of words; words that can create pleasure or pain.
More often than not, we can’t change the environment that surrounds us, but we can choose how we respond.
People occasionally say hurtful things or speak carelessly, not giving a second thought as to how hurtful their remarks are.
Do we take offence at others' actions or the things they say and do to us? I was given some wonderful advice by a friend many years ago and I have not forgotten it: “Just shake it off!”
The majority of hurtful words spoken over our lives are forgotten within a week or two.
How freeing it is when we don’t have to give these hurtful spoken words any attention. It is easier to “Just shake it off” and walk on.
We have a choice right from the beginning. Don’t let the destructive behaviour of others rob you of your joy.
When someone wrongs us, do we instantly feel a need for justice, or do we want to exact revenge for the wrong they have committed against us?
We may want to react and say hurtful words in retaliation and lower ourselves to their level of behaviour.
Or we can exercise some self-control and respond by saying, “I am sorry that you feel that way, but I choose not to let your hurtful words ruin my day.”
If we choose not to take on the offence, we can continue in our adventurous lives without carrying the extra baggage of hurt that will drag us down.
Living a calm life isn’t futile; it is something to be valued, cultivated and learnt.
No matter what our outside circumstances may be, our inner beauty, our soul, has the opportunity to shape our outer environment.
Choose not to take on others' hurtful words; “Just shake it off”.
Let your soul radiate joy and continue to embrace life with a sense of adventure!
Proverbs 19v11 (Good News version): “If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it.”
— Karen Lee Mills
New Life Baptist Church
9°C