.
YESTERDAY I came across a truly inspirational video by a fellow Galway person, Pat Divilly.
He delivered a very powerful message about how every conversation can change a life. Watch the video (at the bottom of this column), as it really will make your day.
The crux of the message is that you never know how your words may affect someone. This goes for both kind and cruel words.
Continued below…
.
Historically, the Irish as a nation are known as a nation of begrudgers, but thankfully I think that there is a positive message getting through to people through the powers of social media.
Nobody knows the battle that someone is facing internally and therefore wouldn’t it be nice if your kind words helped those who are struggling?
A message instilled in me growing up, is that what anyone else thinks of you is none of your business. How true it is but I would be lying if I said I lived by this message all through my life.
Continued below…
.
Certainly now I understand this message more and once upon a time I used to walk into a room and wonder if people would like me. Today I walk in and wonder if I will like them? This wisdom has come from lots of knockbacks in life and the realization that as long as I am happy with my own behaviour and actions, then nothing else matters.
I try to never hurt people with words or actions and I ignore negative people.
It is amazing when you write an opinion column that you become fair game for criticism and on more than one occasion, I have had strangers tell me face to face or via Facebook that they don’t agree with me.
That is perfectly okay as my opinion is subjective and I don’t expect everyone to have the same views as me. I do however have a major problem when the conversation or messages get personal or abusive.
Continued below…
.
I have more than once been tempted in the past, to take a screenshot of some of the vile messages and post them on my page. I wonder if naming and shaming these people would put a stop to it?
Then I stop and think about the internal struggle that they may be battling so I never do. I also remember how well I was brought up by my parents so I never sink to the level of abusing someone.
Life is tough enough for everyone and we all have a part to play in ensuring that we help one another. Instead of criticizing, compliment, instead of being jealous, be grateful and most importantly instead of uttering a cruel word, shout a kind word.
Every conversation can change a life!
Until next week,
Be kind to everyone!
Orlagh xx
