Laura's Corner
I work very hard and am attending college to obtain my degree in the Human Service field. Writing makes me feel alive and gives me the opportunity to touch those whom I would not be able to otherwise. Last but not least, I have been blessed with two amazing daughters who love me completely and support my dreams. Feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or feedback.
WORD!
Just one can make or break an individual within a matter of seconds.
Case scenario: Let's say I begin a new job and befriend a girl named Suzie. After a month or so, Suzie and I have a falling out. We no longer speak for various reasons.
We have our differences; it may be a discourse in personality. She may have hurt my feelings, I may have hurt hers. There may be a rolling of eyes, avoidance at the drinking fountain or an overall feeling of tension at meetings. Forgive and forget may arrive, then again, they may not.
Worst case scenario: A new girl is hired. I am in charge of her training. New girl “Nancy” and I have lunch. I casually mention that Suzie is a real “Biotch”. Within the course of a few seconds and one word, I have made my case. Right?
Do I have the right to fill our new girl in about Suzie? I mean, she hurt my feelings, right? After all, the minute Suzie gets Nancy alone that she is going to give her side of the story, right? I had better rally the rest of the office to my side as quickly as possible. This means spreading the word via email and text, “Watch out for Suzie, you won’t BELIEVE what she did!”
Do I have the right to speak negatively about someone else regardless of my experiences? The measure of a spoken or written word is so powerful that it can cause others to avoid someone they may have given a chance.
What if Nancy and Suzie are better suited as friends? What if they have more in common? Do I have the right to take their opportunity away?
If you have ever uttered the words, “fag, homo, bitch, asshole, stupid, ignorant, ugly, fat, moron, idiot, nerd, lesbo, tramp, retard, whore, coon, nigger, honky, white trash”, etc, you are not alone. Each one of us has had a negative thought about someone within our vision. It is when we use those words within conversation with others that we become guilty of a crime. The target of our hate is then held in a virtual prison cell of shame and guilt.
It is within each one of us to make or break another human being. Because of this realization, I have chosen to take the high road. Regardless of how I am treated by another human being, I refuse to play the game. I don’t have to “one-up” you. I don’t have to give a minute by minute replay of what “she said”. I don’t have to waste my precious time nor do I have to waste the precious time of my friends. Instead, I am going to break free of the gossips, dysfunction and unhealthy individuals whom I cannot change. Instead, I choose dignity, love and respect for myself.
If you have nothing nice to say, it probably means you aren’t a very nice person. Please feel free to NOT contact me anytime this century. Enough said!
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