Know better, do better

I ran into a friend the other day.  She wanted to talk about her views on why she feels our society is “unhealthy”.  Yes, more people have lost their way, they forgot about connection, community and basic courtesy. 

So while I agreed with her on a lot of levels,  I also feel we have an individual responsibility to make it better. If you know better, you have to be better.   We can make a difference on an individual level. 

Here are some things to think about:

No one is above anyone.  No one is below anyone. Treat everyone with respect because we learn from everyone.  If you think you are better then anyone, guess again. 

If you are not putting effort in, you don’t want it that much.

If you haven’t learned to say that you are sorry or learned how to make amends, you haven’t matured. If you don’t think you have to be accountable or if you act like nothing happened after you slight or disrespect someone, good people will fall out of your life. They won’t explain, they will leave.

People who gossip show that they are not of good charecter.  People who gossip can not be part of a functional relationship or friendship, they will always create division. 

There are few people who will stand against a crowd and say “this is wrong”.  Where would you be in a situation like this?

Complaining that things are unfair makes you a victim.  Yes, life is unfair at times.  But there are also times that you will win, so keep working towards that win or two or three.

Women have more opportunity then ever before in America.  It’s up to you to develop yourself and value who you are. Set high standards for yourself.  Work towards goals. There is opportunity for you.

Kindness really is important.  It will return to you in many unimaginable ways.  So always be kind. 

When people use abusive language, guess what, they are abusive. If they gaslight and blame others for their words, they lack accountability.  That’s what it is. 

If we all pull together, if we all lift each other up, if we show kindness and empathy, if we fight against wrongdoing and refuse to hurt others, if we stand for justice and finally learn to protect Mother Earth, we just might make it! 

It’s not too late, where do you stand? 

Carolyn Nones Vazquez