Speak no evil

As children we were taught, "If you don't have something good to say about someone, don't say anything at all." For many people that was easier said than done. When we point out the negative aspects of another, we don't have to deal with those within ourselves. Yet the very flaws we identify in those around us are mostly likely to held inside us. When I am quick to label someone as bigoted, I don't have to look at ways in which I am judgmental of others. When I call another driver stupid, I don't have to think about the times I have made similar errors. I elevate myself at the expense of another. When I choose to speak kindly of others, both of us are elevated. I may not see eye to eye with others, but I can adopt a "Live and let live" policy knowing that they are each on their own path. If I should desire to see a change in them, then it is necessary to focus on and correct my own behavior. When I do that, I begin to see more of what I deem to be right and good in the world. Imagine what today would be like if each of us chose only to speak words of kindness to and about one another. What would it take for you to commit to doing that for just one day at a time?