The Power of Nice

I have always believed I held great power.  Well, I have always believed each and every one of us holds great power.  Power over ourselves,. Power over situations. Power of decisions. Power over our thoughts.  But what I feel most powerful... Power over others.

We have tremendous power over those around us in our every day, average, normal lives.

I see each day as a string of choices.  We make choices in almost every moment of every day. Where will I go now? Who will I see next? 

How about the choices we are barely aware we are making... I'm not going to make eye contact with that person. Oh boy, let's avoid that situation.

We navigate our days with a series of choices whether we are aware of this or not.

When I sit back and observe people and situations I often find myself thinking "If they only recognized their own power."

A mother screaming at her child, perhaps calling him a nasty or worthless name.  A spouse berating or nagging at the other. Ripping them down by their most vulnerable spots. A teacher giving up on a child who may need a little extra help. A complete stranger spouting rudeness to someone who maybe made a mistake or bumped into them.

Can we not see the opportunities right in front of our eyes to be nice?  To show mercy, compassion and love?  When did this go out of style?  I believe it went out of style when our culture decided we (ourselves) are most important. If you or your actions do not reflect this way of thinking then you are in the wrong and must pay for it. It's all about me.

Somehow we have confused ourselves about where joy comes from.  Our culture acts as if joy comes from things and pleasure. But take a look at those people who live this way. Are they joyful?  Nope. If anything they are consistently displeased and discontent.  Always looking for more.

Now let's switch gears here.  If that same rude attitude had the power over another person to make them feel rejected, foolish or angry... I wonder what would have transpired had you reacted to their mistake with grace. Compassion. Love. 

The mother of the child used her words to encourage her child. Uplifting their sprits and giving them the self confidence to grow and feel worthy.  Instead of a naggy spouse you use your power to build them up and show them in love that you believe in them and would be by their side. (Hello to a new, revived, encouraged and happy spouse!)  Or the teacher who chooses to believe in that child. Using their power to inpire and challenge this young student.

We have such power over those around us. We have the power to breathe life into a lonely soul who may be contmplating the end.  we have the power to put a smile on the face of a stranger with a simple compliment.  We have to power to give hope to the hopeless.

Do you think for a second you would not be changed by this?  This is the kind of life a joyful person lives.  Nice. Grace. Love. Compassion.  This is where you find true joy.

I'd like to challenge you to try this out!  Maybe start with one situation a day. If you would normally speak harshly to your spouse, try to speak out of love and encouragement.  If you are a screamer with your children, try to communicate gentleness and peace.  Smile at a stranger.  Engage in a conversation with the clerk at the grocery check out line. Play with your power and watch it tranform others. Give an extra hug. Tell someone you appreciate them.

You will be stunned at the joy you feel as you learn to love and bless others. It's a powerful thing.