I was listening to the story of a friend recently who shared about a hurtful experience she had. It was hard for her to see beyond the pain of her situation to see that she had a choice. She had a choice in how she would respond, no matter the intentions of the other person involved. She also had a choice of giving the other person the benefit of the doubt and the grace to be human.
That’s true for all of us at times.
At times, it’s can be easy to get caught up in feeling like the world is cold. That someone is intentionally treating us poorly or is specifically out to get us. When in reality, most of us are just human, trying to do the best we can. And most of the time, we don’t have a clue how our actions are affecting other people.
This is true so much more often than we choose to believe.
But here’s the deal. At the end of the day, you’re responsible for the energy you bring into this world. If it feels like the world is giving you the cold shoulder, why not warm it up? Why not light a fire of love and care? Why not lean in, work harder, show even more kindness?
“If the world is cold, make it your business to build fires.” ~ Horace Traubel
As a leader, parent, friend, coworker, or group member of any kind, if you feel like the world is too cold, it’s your job to warm it up. Others might not be feeling the same draft, at the same time. Even if they are, they might not see it the same way you do.
Of course it’s okay to notice the cold and feel hurt.
You’re human. Life hurts sometimes. Relationships are complicated. People aren’t perfect. But it’s up to you to decide what you will do next.
Complaining about the cold won’t make the world warmer.
Building a fire of love will.
to more love,
Crystal
