Sticks and Stones...

Tonight while surfing the web, I got a great idea for a blog.  One that has affected me my whole life.  And something that I haven't conquered - but is a work in progress.  You know the old saying, "Sticks and stones can break by bones but words will never hurt me?"  Well, that's false.  First of all, I have had my fair share of run ins with sticks and stones... from falling down hills, playing sports, you name it.  But, I can honestly say - that not one single stick or stone has broken a bone. Ever.  Maybe made a bruise, but nothing that I can even really remember.  I am just sure in the course of my life so far - it has had to happen.  

Words on the other hand, can break your heart.  Words are something that can only be forgiven - not forgotten.  You know, looking back on pictures - I can remember a lot of conversations - funny little things that I had previously forgotten.  But I remember those words.  And here in the age of social media - it seems so much more prevalent.  People can say anything they want to someone, because they don't have to look them in the eye.  My rule of thumb -- if I wouldn't say it if they are sitting in front of me - I will never type it.  And that goes in all areas  --  I've been hurt enough by words - I am sure we all have -- so I don't ever want to do that to anyone else.   There has been many times I have gotten upset - said things I don't mean - and had to apologize.  And then work hundreds of times harder - to show that person that I meant it.  Kids are a perfect example.  Even when you say, "You are grounded until you are 100!" -- well, we know that's not gonna happen.  So then, when I calm down, I have to explain that I was angry, that was dramatic, and here is the actual punishment.  You get what I am sayin', I'm sure. 

But here is something that I have learned... and I do it myself.  The word "whatever", "nothing", 'I'm fine"....   I do it.  I say it.  And I know its a joke that when a woman says, "Nothing is wrong.." - that means something is.  But honestly, isn't it sometimes so much easier to say those responses?  Like, it's easier to say that you don't care - than to explain all the reasons that you do.  And I know I feel that way sometimes.  And if I do, I am sure my kids do. 

So, here's my challenge for myself.  The next time someone I love says that - I am gonna make sure that they know I am available to listen - and I want to.  

Be kind to each other.  Life is too short.