Old Message, New Messenger

Old Message, New Messenger - Part 1

This blog series has been rattling around my mind for some time. Nearly 20 years ago, I first heard this quote;

At that time in my personal development, I didn't have the breadth of life experience to take a position on this quote. Nearly two decades later, I do and I see a lot of truth in it. This blog series will explore some of the ideas/statements that have impacted me in the last few years, and show how the roots of the same lesson were planted earlier in my life, from other sources.

Old Message, New Messenger - Part 1: We Teach People How to Treat Us

I admit, I heard this quote on the Dr. Phil show, along with millions of others; "We teach people how to treat us." In researching this quote, I found information that suggests a similar message was made popular by Dear Abby, several years earlier. I have spent many minutes pondering it and when I am not getting the treatment I want from others, I step back and ask myself how I have been teaching THEM to behave toward me. At least half the time the exercise provides insight.

Is this idea new? I am reminded of a bible verse that my parents both quoted several times in my childhood. Luke 6:31; Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Is the new message really that different? How we treat others is often the treatment we get in return. Whether it is because we have taught them what is acceptable to us, or because as humans, we tend to mirror common behaviours and mannerisms that we witness - in the end, we get what we give.

Do you agree or disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Comments

Depression Lies

Depression lies to us about who we are. It tricks us into believing negative self-talk, and then tries to make us too tired to fight back. It makes our bodies ache to discourage the physical activity that would create endorphins so needed to quiet the negative noise. Depression may tell us to either starve or over-feed our bodies, both attempts to skew our self-image. Depression lies to us, and sometimes we listen. I know depression. I used to be afraid to admit our acquaintance. In my 20s it would visit infrequently. I called it something else until I met it more often and our relationship grew. In my early 30s it was called S.A.D. (Seasonal Affected Disorder). Turns out my body likes sunshine. Once I left my retail travel career with 4 Caribbean jaunts each winter, my Doctor noticed a pattern of symptoms and a subsequent treatment plan was initiated. In my late 30s we became intimately acquainted, after each child birth and many hormonal shifts. Depr

Is it wrong to tell kids that their future is limitless?

So many of us tell our kids “you can be anything you want to be when you grow up”. But can they? The first time I told my daughter she had limits was during the naming of Catholic Pope Francis in 2013. She was 8 and asked if she could be Pope one day. I told her females are not allowed to be head of the Catholic Church. I answered her “why” with my own bias; “because some people think tradition is more important than equality”. I’ve watched businesses, young parents, grandparents all decide what toys are for girls and which for boys. I guess girls don’t grow up to drive cars or build buildings. Perhaps men don’t become Fathers or caregivers. If that is true, it is a waste of time for girls to play with cars or blocks or for boys to like dolls. We tell them they can be ANYTHING when they grow up, yet we limit their play as children. If their future is limitless, why don’t we limit our children less? We teach our kids to be kind to all people. Not to be a

A Mother's Circle of Life Love Song

What does a writer do with strong feelings .....write. A tribute to my Mum. A Mother’s Circle of Life Love Song ~ Sheri Gammon Dewling ~ Good night sweet girl, Mum said as she tucked me in each night. May my loving arms enfold you and protect you from the fright. I know you like to be awake and join in all the fun. Now it’s time for you to sleep. Tomorrow will soon come. Bless your heart, Mum told me as I learned, fell down and grew. May you face each day with kindness and continue to be true. I know the right decision isn’t always plain to know. Now it’s time for you to lead. I’m proud to watch you grow. Good night sweet girl, I told her, as I watched her body fail. May the love of family guide you as your spirit starts to sail. I know you cherished life on earth, where your joy has always played. Now it’s time for you to sleep – no need to be afraid. Bless your heart, I said to her, as she took her last, slow breaths. May your journey of

JustMOMsensations

Search This Blog