I recently wrote an article on “Inner Voice”. Yesterday my kiddo asked me an interesting yet important question. He must have observed a few kids making fun of others and laughing at them for being too overweight. Never have I done this or no one in the family does it too. In fact, I believe that boys should be taught how to respect girls, mom, ladies and their sisters. However, I asked him to ponder and tell me what the reason other kids could be would be doing so. He thought and replied, “Mom, maybe they found them funny, their parents must have not spoken about it to them or it’s a habit learnt.” I immediately agreed to the possibility of parents not having conversed about it. I also agree that we cannot spoon feed our children and that some things just must be learnt by experience. But to be able inculcate good thoughts needs communication and practice.
This brings me to another thought that when others make fun of people, is there some need of their own unfulfilled? Is it inferiority? To feel powerful, one bullies another. There are many children and adults who have either faced, learnt or developed a habit of talking themselves down. Talking ourselves down may make us feel guilty and needs to stop. It does no good to our self-esteem and we might open ourselves up to criticism from others too. Your own insecurities, beliefs and the constant habit of repeating “I cannot do it”, “I am so stupid”, “I do not deserve it”,etc may have put you down before and continue to do so. It is like disrespecting your own self.
Now think about all the people that you surround yourself with. Imagine a person who you deal with every day who says words like “Oh you are so fat”, “You can’t do it”, “You aren’t worthy”, you would probably become one even if you are not. It is “YOU” your own self who will be with you forever. How do you behave with yourself?
“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
Throughout your life, you will meet people who will try to discourage you or do not respect your achievements. It is easy to celebrate your accomplishments, but failure should not discourage you either. Focus on your strengths.
No matter what they tell you, Stay true to yourself.
13.11.20