Monday, January 23, 2017
How Do You Color Your World?
It's winter and that's fine with me since it's my second favorite season, autumn is my first favorite. It's interesting to me that my favorite month is so full of vivid colors while number 2 consists of the gray scale for the most part.
I understand there are people who become depressed during the gray months of winter but I find beauty there. And cold weather is so much easier to deal with than hot. Although, I'm not sure I would say that if I lived in a frozen tundra state. Ha!
In the midst of a drab winter, how can we color our world? In the midst of a friend's difficult time, how can we color their world? When someone is having a bad day, how can we color their world? When a child is sad, how can we color their world?
The words we choose and the tone of voice used to back up those words can make the world of difference in the day of the people with whom we converse. I've seen it happen in the checkout line at the grocery store. Someone in front of me had nothing but negative things to say and directed every single one of those words at the cashier. The poor cashier's face went from holding a welcoming smile to confusion to anger. When it was my turn, I immediately greeted her with a smile and commented, "People. Sheesh." We both laughed a little and I tried my best to turn her day around. I know what it's like to have someone ruin my day with an ugly attitude. That's not to say I haven't doled out an attitude or two in my time. I've been on both sides. I prefer to share a smile with a little polite conversation.
It's easy to tell people to shake it off and not let people influence you like that but, the fact is, they do influence your mood. They are what I call, spirit crushers. Everyone, including those in powerful positions, MUST be careful when choosing their words and their tone of voice. It may be helpful to remember that what we say reflects what's in our hearts.
Winter does not last forever. Like all things, the drab times pass. But we do not have to sit idly by waiting for a more color filled season to arrive. We can add beautiful, vibrant colors just by choosing to speak kindness to others.
How do you color your winter world?
I understand there are people who become depressed during the gray months of winter but I find beauty there. And cold weather is so much easier to deal with than hot. Although, I'm not sure I would say that if I lived in a frozen tundra state. Ha!
In the midst of a drab winter, how can we color our world? In the midst of a friend's difficult time, how can we color their world? When someone is having a bad day, how can we color their world? When a child is sad, how can we color their world?
The words we choose and the tone of voice used to back up those words can make the world of difference in the day of the people with whom we converse. I've seen it happen in the checkout line at the grocery store. Someone in front of me had nothing but negative things to say and directed every single one of those words at the cashier. The poor cashier's face went from holding a welcoming smile to confusion to anger. When it was my turn, I immediately greeted her with a smile and commented, "People. Sheesh." We both laughed a little and I tried my best to turn her day around. I know what it's like to have someone ruin my day with an ugly attitude. That's not to say I haven't doled out an attitude or two in my time. I've been on both sides. I prefer to share a smile with a little polite conversation.
It's easy to tell people to shake it off and not let people influence you like that but, the fact is, they do influence your mood. They are what I call, spirit crushers. Everyone, including those in powerful positions, MUST be careful when choosing their words and their tone of voice. It may be helpful to remember that what we say reflects what's in our hearts.
Winter does not last forever. Like all things, the drab times pass. But we do not have to sit idly by waiting for a more color filled season to arrive. We can add beautiful, vibrant colors just by choosing to speak kindness to others.
How do you color your winter world?
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Pam, I absolutely love this post and your thoughts on this subject. YES...we need more smiles and more kindness in the world. I'm so tired of hate and violence. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so tired of it, too. Can't we all just get along? :) Thanks, Terri!
DeleteOur winter here is grey but crazy warm...I was able to do my run outside this weekend. Unheard of in January.
ReplyDeleteIt's been so unseasonably warm that I've been feeling depressed. I can't stand hot weather, especially when it's supposed to be cold. LOL Hopefully, you'll be back out and running soon!
DeleteIts cold and rainy and I have spent really any time in the house. I am loving this winter so every day is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI am liking all of the blue and white right now, so I hadn't noticed any gray.
Have a lovely day.
I would love to have some winter. We will get cold again later in the week but no snow or sleet. Nothing to make it a wonderful winter. I'm still hopeful, it's not over yet! :) Glad you're getting some lovely cold weather, though!
DeleteSo very true. Very well said.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThe dead looking trees and bushes are boring and depressing. I do believe the real cause many have the blues is the reduced sunlight (SAD). I don't care much for bitter cold either but when it's cold I think about all the people in Minnesota because it's always colder there.
ReplyDeleteWinter trees are my favorites! I love gray skies, too. And I love the reduced sunlight. I'm the odd one out on winter. LOL
DeleteI am spring or autumn gal myself, today it is cool and wet and that is ok with me I don't see the world in shades of gray or black and white but lots of bright happy colours
ReplyDeleteAutumn is my favorite time of year. Winter is a close second. I can do without spring or summer. I love going from the vibrant fall colors to the grays, blacks and whites of winter.
Delete