It is funny how an expression of concern can have many interpretations and repercussions.
My family is a very close knit one and my siblings and I are very close to one another.
I am just recovering from a minor surgery and have had my brothers and sister call to find out how I am doing. Each has their own way of expressing their concern, all driven by their extreme love for me, their older brother.
My sister and brother in law (and best friend from before their marriage) called to inquire how I was doing. Both were very sympathetic to my pain and expressed their wishes and prayers that I would recover quickly and the pain would resolve soon. My sister's mother in law had gone through a similar surgery so they were aware of the pain and the treatment / process to be followed.
My youngest brother called to inquire as well. He is traveling in Korea and was able to speak with my wife as well as get an update from his wife who is also updated on my situation.
My other brother, who is in India and far away, has not had any updates on my health or my post surgery situation. Apparently he did not get the message left with my sister in law for him by my wife and has called my home, while I was on the phone with my sister, and not getting through called my youngest brother's home, not realizing that he is traveling and there is no one home to receive his call. The lack of information and his love for me caused him to worry and when he finally did speak with me, he was upset and complained that no one had kept him updated.
While I understood where he was coming from, this remark had an adverse reaction from others who felt they were being targeted for criticism. My brothers remarks does touch on a raw nerve and evokes a negative reaction, which I can understand. However, the reaction to the statement is directed at others, me in this case, even though I have no control on it. Funnily this actually represents how the world reacts to most situations.
The concern expressed by everyone is appreciated by me and I am happy in the thought that everyone cares. But others not the target of this affection have seen it in a different light.
The perspective that each of us has results in one's interpretation of every comment. Some see the positive, others the negative. Both are correct when they apply their frame of mind and point of view. But only one produces happiness while the other only sadness.
Interesting how everyone views the same statement so differently. If only we can all see beyond our noses and realize that there is so much more around us and there lie many opportunities for happiness and every moment of sadness we experience is self created.
This simple real life example demonstrates the immediate need for everyone to understand that one should view every statement in a positive light. Otherwise there will never be an end to differences and wars in this world and we humans will remain as insecure as ever.
I am hopeful that one day we will all learn to be positive in every thought. That will be when we all see a glass half full with space for more life giving water.
My family is a very close knit one and my siblings and I are very close to one another.
I am just recovering from a minor surgery and have had my brothers and sister call to find out how I am doing. Each has their own way of expressing their concern, all driven by their extreme love for me, their older brother.
My sister and brother in law (and best friend from before their marriage) called to inquire how I was doing. Both were very sympathetic to my pain and expressed their wishes and prayers that I would recover quickly and the pain would resolve soon. My sister's mother in law had gone through a similar surgery so they were aware of the pain and the treatment / process to be followed.
My youngest brother called to inquire as well. He is traveling in Korea and was able to speak with my wife as well as get an update from his wife who is also updated on my situation.
My other brother, who is in India and far away, has not had any updates on my health or my post surgery situation. Apparently he did not get the message left with my sister in law for him by my wife and has called my home, while I was on the phone with my sister, and not getting through called my youngest brother's home, not realizing that he is traveling and there is no one home to receive his call. The lack of information and his love for me caused him to worry and when he finally did speak with me, he was upset and complained that no one had kept him updated.
While I understood where he was coming from, this remark had an adverse reaction from others who felt they were being targeted for criticism. My brothers remarks does touch on a raw nerve and evokes a negative reaction, which I can understand. However, the reaction to the statement is directed at others, me in this case, even though I have no control on it. Funnily this actually represents how the world reacts to most situations.
The concern expressed by everyone is appreciated by me and I am happy in the thought that everyone cares. But others not the target of this affection have seen it in a different light.
The perspective that each of us has results in one's interpretation of every comment. Some see the positive, others the negative. Both are correct when they apply their frame of mind and point of view. But only one produces happiness while the other only sadness.
Interesting how everyone views the same statement so differently. If only we can all see beyond our noses and realize that there is so much more around us and there lie many opportunities for happiness and every moment of sadness we experience is self created.
This simple real life example demonstrates the immediate need for everyone to understand that one should view every statement in a positive light. Otherwise there will never be an end to differences and wars in this world and we humans will remain as insecure as ever.
I am hopeful that one day we will all learn to be positive in every thought. That will be when we all see a glass half full with space for more life giving water.
