Friday, April 27, 2012

"Be gentle to all and stern with yourself."

"Be gentle to all and stern with yourself."

-Saint Teresa of Avila

When I first read today's quote it dawned on me how often we do the COMPLETE
opposite! How many times this week did you rationalize doing or buying
something because you deserved it or work hard for it? There is nothing
wrong with that at all because no doubt you all work VERY hard for what you
have but the *key *in all of this is our treatment of others! Are we gentle
with them? *

Do we deny them what we grant ourselves?*

Gentle Definition: "Mild in temperament or behavior; kind or tender"

Do we treat others with true gentleness? (Or Kindness or Tenderness) How can
we check? Lets look at a few examples:

- Work - Do I treat my coworkers the way I would like to be treated. Even
when I feel they are wrong do I let them give voice to their opinion or do I
belligerently shut them up or down(stern)? With regards to ourselves with
our work do we say "what I do is good enough" (gentle) but demand more from
others(stern). We should expect more from ourselves because we all have
abilities and talents that enable us to do more by being "stern" with
ourselves.

- Home- After working a long day do you come home and forget to exhibit
true gentleness with your family? Is the first thing you make light of when
you walk through the door undone dishes or trash that hasn't been taken
out(stern)? Before getting upset find out why it wasn't done. Maybe your
partner had a tough day too(gentle). Sometimes its not a matter of who's
right or wrong its doing whats right. Can we be stern with ourselves and do
the work that needs to get done so all can enjoy a loving and happy home
environment(stern and gentle)?

The bottom line is we should expect more out of ourselves because we can
control ourselves and not the other way around. We can and should be tougher
(stern) on ourselves to get things done while at the same time gently
coaxing others to reach their full potential(gentle).

You may find yourself having more good days than bad if you just try.

Have a great day and a better tomorrow!

-Walter