Something on my mind right now
I want to share a lesson I’m experiencing right now with whoever may read this:
AVOID CYNICISM, SCORN, SNARK, AND SARCASM AS MUCH AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN.
I’m starting to become acutely aware lately of how often I’m tempted to laugh, be dismissive, or make snarky sarcastic comments when I hear people expressing themself, especially in ways I don’t feel comfortable expressing myself.
Just in general, cynicism and sarcasm are pernicious cancers in our society.
I will fully admit that there are times and places where intelligent sarcasm is actually a good thing (especially when dealing with self-important people) but I believe it needs to be used far more sparingly than I naturally want to use it.
Bottom line: the most fulfilling, life-changing things in our lives DO NOT come when we’re dismissive, cynical, or sarcastic. They come when we take the appropriate risks necessary to grow and truly get the best out of our lives while striving to bring the best into other lives as well.
Many other intelligent people have discussed this concept more eloquently than I have (Paul E. Miller does an exceptional job addressing this in his book A Praying Life) but I still felt it was important to write about it briefly since I find myself dealing with it constantly and I want that to change.
Our lives (and the lives of those we love and care about) will be bigger and better when we resist cynicism and truly listen and try to learn more about ourselves, others, and the deeper truths of life.
The best is yet to come, and life is more beautiful when we don’t pre-judge it.
Anywho, that’s all I’ve got.