"As I surrendered my imaginary power over others, I gained a more realistic view of my own life." - Al-Anon World Service
Every person you meet today has their own pool of tears they sit by every single day. I recently read about a man who grew up in a house that was known by the neighbors in the cul-de-sac as "alcoholic's circle." The first time he took his girlfriend to meet his mother, she was so drunk she was sliding out of the chair and spoke with slurred speech. She was shocked. Later he calmly explained, "Didn't I tell you? My mom's a party girl." He could have said she was a drunk or a loser, but he didn't. He accepted her for who she was, and chose to love her through her struggles. The next time you hear people complain about their alcoholic, why not counter their comments like this? "Quit trying to change them and try some compassion. Life is a lot more peaceful that way."
We spend way too much time focusing on ways to change others and not enough time focusing on the person we can change. I learned a long time ago that the only person I can control is "me." I need to control my attitude towards others and do my part to make a positive difference everywhere I go. Showing compassion instead of casting judgement gets much better results. If you love someone through their hard times, you may have the privilege of seeing them make changes for the better. If you've been a constant encourager for them during the bad times, you could be the first person they call when they decide to turn things around.
We all have struggles. Some are more visible than others, but never the less, we all have struggles. It takes great courage to believe that we can overcome. One way we can live the life out of every day is by taking a stand with someone. Loving them through the hardships, and encouraging those who feel defeated. As Todd Outcalt says, "In a simple touch of a hand or a warm embrace we heal each other, one person at a time."
The only person I have the power to control is "me," and that is a full-time job!
"I'm not happy, I'm cheerful. There's a difference. A happy person has no cares at all. A cheerful person has cares but has learned how to deal with them." - Beverly Sills
"Love heals everybody" - Becca Stevens, Thistle Farms
Love God - Love Others - Be Kind
