WELL MEANING SENTIMENTS MATTER
|| Written on Sunday 16th July 2023
Everyone says them. Everyone hears them. But do well-meaning sentiments make any real difference? Are they just hollow words that do little to help really? I think they do and if you’ll allow me, I’ll explain why.
Imagine yourself in the same light as a column. Strong, upright and supporting the loads of life. You’re under constant pressure of varying degrees while you maintain this solid exterior that says to others, I’m good thank you.
But even concrete columns breaks down over time. They get chipped, knocked, fractured and weathered. They’re taken for granted and yet remain upright and supporting. Isn’t that the same qualities that we try to project to the world around us?
Negative remarks, insults, abuse, violence, anger, rage and many more similar stuff faces us, often on a daily basis. Life brings with it stressful situations for us to deal with, whether physically or emotionally.
These all take a toll on our strength. Under the surface, tiny cracks appear in that hard exterior. Wrinkles appear on our foreheads. Our hair turns grey or falls out. Our weight becomes harder to manage. We fear meeting particular people that we don’t actually like. We become weaker for it all.
But quite the opposite happens when someone shares a well intended and loving sentiment with you. It acts in bolstering your inner resolve. It brings you a little self-esteem and it often brings a smile to your face. The well meaning sentiment strengthens your column! But that acts both ways. The giving of a positive sentiment also acts in making you stronger inside. How? Because you know it was the right thing to say.
So the next time someone gives you a well-meaning sentiment, thank them and make sure to return it to them or someone else that day. Even water can break down concrete as emotional remarks can work on the thickest skinned person!
Today’s speaker is talking to you direct. Accept these well-informed remarks as adding to your strength.