I received my first nasty phone message last month. It was quite a shock, since the feedback I’ve been getting since becoming publisher of Natural Awakenings Long Island seven months ago has been nothing short of amazing. I have continually received emails, voicemails and Facebook messages telling me how much you all have enjoyed the magazine these past few issues. So the negative call took me completely by surprise. The message went something like this, “I don’t believe in all this quackery, and are these centers teaching communism?” He continued elaborating, and, in doing so, admitted he was unsure what any of the advertisers actually do, thus admitting that he is spewing on a subject he knows literally nothing about. He also complained that the advertisers want to make money, which I thought was funny because, of course, they do. Isn’t that the reason I love America—or at least one of the reasons—because as a capitalist society we all have the ability to earn a fair living—a concept, based on his tone, he would have been all for? Isn’t it actually beautiful that our monetary-attainment goals are tied into the betterment and health of our fellow man? Yet, this gentleman judged and spewed negativity on a subject he knew nothing about, and did it with an embarrassing amount of gusto
It isn’t enough that we judge, we then hurl that negativity with FULL authority at one another. I know we all do it. Just one look at Facebook and you see strong opinions on subjects people know little or nothing about.
While in the process of raising my children, I am forever asking them: “Why did you just say this or that? What did it serve to tell one of your friends that another one thinks she is silly? Does that comment serve anyone in a positive way? Does anyone feel good after you have done it?” I also tell them: “Think before you speak. Determine if what you are saying is positive, uplifting to someone or, heck, even just based on knowledge.” Children often seem to know the better way to treat one another without much guidance. This month’s article, “Letting Kids Just Be Kids,” illustrates fair and positive behavior in a backyard setting; however, the ideas can be applied to adults as well as children, and used anywhere from backyards to boardrooms.
I attended a seminar given by contemporary thought leader Panache Desai last month, and his response to anyone who may make a statement you disagree with was brilliant! Out loud you say, “That is right!” while in your head you say, “for you.” This allows you to respect the journey of others, without accepting that journey as your own. Thus, this gentleman could have read the magazine and thought, “This is wonderful for the readers, for the advertisers, and for those who are continually brought to a healthier lifestyle because of them. This is great!”…”for them.”
The caller was right because he said he was entitled to his opinion. This month of July when we celebrate how wonderful and blessed our life is as Americans, we can add freedom of speech to the list of our blessings. Yet, I challenge all of us to be even more conscious Americans and to think before we speak: “Why am I saying this? What does it serve?” If the answer is positive, spread it! If not, then I will go back to what I was taught years ago: Just because I CAN say something, doesn’t mean I SHOULD, which is great, FOR ME!
