Let’s be reminded!

Dear Readers,

THIS week I am taking a different approach to my “Hey Rosie” column, so I do hope that you will indulge me. I received a very disturbing group email. It was very sexually explicit and made me very sad because it was sent to hundreds of people at the expense of one young lady’s poor choices.{{more}}

So it got me to thinking about how far we’ve drifted in this society as regards common sense, community, being a well-wisher to others and simple self-respect.

So I am going to just list a couple of things that I know we all must have heard and learnt along the way, but somehow we tend to forget these life lessons on a daily basis. I am by no means excluding myself from this lecture. Here goes:

1. Be a leader not a follower – it is so easy to jump on the bandwagon to tear someone down instead of assessing the situation for yourself and coming up with your own solution or opinion. Taking a stand may make you unpopular, yet your conscience will be clear because you know you made the right choice.

2. Don’t waste your time and energy on gossip, or people who gossip, what you could have done about a past situation or even someone who has wronged you. That moment in time has come and gone. Yet you are still standing in it as if it were your friend. It is not. Move on.

3. Smile, say “Hello”, “Excuse me”, “I’m sorry”, “I love you”, and “How may I help you”? “I was wrong”, “You are doing an excellent job”. Put these positive energies out there on a daily basis (especially when you REALLY don’t want to). You never know how life-changing it can be for all involved.

4. Learn to listen. Recognize what is going on around you. Be an observer of life. Sometimes people’s actions are so much stronger than their words. Decide if they are worth your time and space. This is a great way of figuring out toxic people.

5. Don’t take yourself too seriously. You are equal to everyone else who is breathing the same air. Humility, we should practice it. We can learn from everyone, the young, the old, the rich and the poor. Everyone has a lesson in them to share. Also learn to laugh, you will live longer.

6. No one else can make you happy. Love yourself first. You have to continue to work on you and what will make you a better person in this life. Happiness will not be found in your friends or your partners.

7. Life is not always fair. However, how we deal with the challenges that are thrown in front of us will determine our survival. It is never a sign of weakness to ask for help and guidance. We all need a hand up and comfort at many points in our lives.

8. Never call your kids dumb, stupid, slow, bad, worthless and so forth. It rips whatever self-confidence they were born with when the people who should protect them do this. Always try to re-direct your anger or disappointments, and then give them solutions. Hug them; take the time to hear what they are telling you. This time is fleeting and can never be recaptured. Remember you also have your own war stories. How did it feel when you were going through your personal hurts?

9. Agree to disagree. That’s what makes this world great. We all can see the same story from different vantage points.

10. Finally, God is a good and gracious God who meets all needs. I do respect the fact that not everyone is a believer, but we must all have some core beliefs about how we should treat our fellow man. Respect, tolerance, love, guidance, non violence, never be jealous, and have faith.

Again, these are just a few of my thoughts brought on by what I saw this week in my Inbox. Let’s try to rise above this downward spiral. Learn to live, laugh and appreciate this one life we have been given. Thank you for reading. Wishing everyone continued success in whatever you are going through. Remember, this, too, shall pass.

Much love as always,

Rosie

Send questions to Rosie at: heyrosie24@yahoo.com or P.O Box 152, Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines.