No Target, it's NOT ok to judge!

The last few days I've noticed the Universe giving me a couple little signals... a few work mates and friends first were discussing some words that we have banned. Words that came up included the "f" word, and no not f*ck.. which I have NO problems tossing around at times! Also, the "n" word; which I really can not stand and the "r" word, that I've had problems at times with it rolling off my tongue but have definitely made a conscious effort to not use it considering I have a special needs kid!

So imagine my surprise today when I was doing some shopping online today at Target and was told "It's ok to judge". I took a quick screenshot of it! I sat for a moment just thinking about it. And then I started to get mad! And not because I don't think that there shouldn't be some sort of measurable standards at times. I mean c'mon The Biggest Loser obviously is measuring a health standard and they are being "judged", just as many other reality tv shows like Dancing with the Stars or American Idol! But there's a time and place for judgments to be made. Unfortunately it seems like people make too many judgments without any justification! It's bad enough that we make judgments about ourselves; not pretty enough or smart enough or rich enough. But when we start to put these judgments on others, we're only projecting our own insecurities.

I happened to catch Dr. Phil today which was all about bullying. October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. It was very much about passing judgments and the bullies own insecurities! There was also a great organization featured as well; Stomp Out Bullying. And while I didn't agree with everything that was being said, the main idea was what was important. There's no reason to judge anyone, EVER! Because *hopefully* everyone is doing the best that they can. So Target, how about instead of "it's ok to judge" we go with "it's about choice".  But oh wait, wasn't there some problem about gay equality with Target?!? Maybe we'll save that for another post! ;)

So, as in my other posts Minding Your Words and Minding Your Thoughts it's just important to remember that we're all in this together and the interactions we bring to one another are equally needed as much as the progress we make on ourselves!

Namaste!!

Minding Your Words

"He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help" ~Abraham Lincoln

"If your heart acquires strength, you will be able to remove blemishes from others without thinking evil of them." ~Mohandas K. Gandhi

"He only profits from praise who values criticism." ~Heinrich Heine

Words have the power to inspire and destroy. When I was young, I quite often heard from my Grandmother; "mind your words". It's true though, sometimes I have a problem with going on and on about something. I also have a fabulous knack of just saying what's on my mind at times without really thinking about the repercussion of it. This can be a bonus or a bane!!! LOL! Positive words can empower people towards great accomplishments. And negative words can be highly destructive! But how do you know when you're being critical and when you're actually producing constructive criticism?

First, it's easy for us to intake negativity more easily than it is positivity. Why? Because that's what we're dealing with 24/7!! TV and online news is primarily focused on all that is "WRONG" in the world.. we barely get a glimpse of the few miracles and heroes before there is another story of something devastating! If you think life is horrible.. think back to a moment ago.. were you just stressing over a bill that is due? What do you think the first thing out of your mouth is going to be when you get to the mailbox and see it?! If you're Gordon Ramsey, it'd probably be something like MUTHA F#[K!N BILL!! People who deal with depression, may also find they're overly critical of themselves saying things like "I'll NEVER accomplish that" or "Sometimes I'm just stupid". Here is a simple test you can do for yourself to see if your words are falling on the NEGATIVE or POSITIVE spectrum.

Take a piece of paper and mark down these words, phrases, and/or any similar that you find yourself using. Throughout the day, place a mark when you find yourself saying one of these words.

Negative
· Useless
· Empty
· Impossible
· Ugly
· Weak
· Lonely
· Hopeless
· Loser
· Failure
· Bad person
· Stupid
· NEVER
· Lost

Positive
· Beautiful
· Hope
· THANK YOU!! (It really is under used!)
· Please (same as above!)
· Fabulous
· Awesome
· Smart thinking
· Great
· Terrific
· LOVE
· Wonderful
· You're the best!
· FUN (I think people are forgetting that word a lot!)

You might also want to make a note if you were feeling a certain way when these words came popping out of your mouth. Remember, negative words are going to be associated with feelings of despair, disappointment, anxiety, anger, guilt, and frustration. Whereas feelings of hope, happiness, accomplishment, pride, passion and love are from encouraging, positive words!

The more practice with minding your words, the easier it becomes to Mind Your Thoughts! By speaking negative words, the more you'll feel unwanted emotions. Until you remove the negative chatter from your mind, you won’t be able to lead the happy life you envision yourself in. If you're feeling depressed, lonely, or generally down on yourself. Check out what you're actually expressing aloud. You may just surprise yourself! Start using words that spread happiness and watch how the energy around you and within you starts to change!

Many Blessings!