Pointing Fingers
, just perhaps, it's me, but it certainly seems like everyone lately is pointing a finger at someone else.
Or maybe it's just no one is stepping up and taking responsibility.
Still, doesn't it get tiresome constantly holding one's arm up and pointing at someone or something?
I have been on a personal journey for some time working on my attitude and outlook on life.
When you grow up in an extremely negative environment, it not only wears one down, but it grinds those learned behaviors deeper into one's soul.
Know what I mean?
Old habits are VERY hard to shake and break.
I think one of the worst, at least in a physical and/or visual sense is pointing a finger at someone else.
Unless it is meant in a positive manner, it's not a good thing. Most of the time, anyway.
I am sure, that like me, growing up you heard the old saying, "When you point a finger at someone, just remember there are three more pointing right back at and to yourself."
True enough, that!
Simple words, but shouldn't we think they are true enough and pay attention to the old saying?
I wondered if I could find some decent, informative, and positive quotes about finger pointing. Well...
"You bring people down so that you can rise up, you obviously do not know how to soar." – To the people who point their fingers to others so to hide their deficiencies”
― Lamine Pearlheart, Aether
“Stop pointing fingers and placing blame on others. Your life can only change to the degree that you accept responsibility for it.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
“If you feel the need to make someone feel less assured of themselves or have to call another person out, you may gain a false sense of superiority.”
― Kristin Michelle Elizabeth
“Blaming is a childish act.”
― Toba Beta
And then, I decided to dig deeper and look at some of the words to explain finger pointing:
Accusing
Blaming
Faulting
Assigning fault to
Indicting
Incriminating
Selling down the river
Attributing liability to
Regarding as guilty
Reproaching
Rebuking
Wow, that would kinda hurt if someone was laying that on you, wouldn't it?
It's difficult to break a habit. I know that from painful experience. They are, sometimes, so deeply engrained, it feels like we will never shake the habit.
But, we can!! Just don't give up.
One thing I started doing, and yes, it was a very conscious effort, was to reach out a hand instead of pointing a finger.
Since then, I have been finding that when I extend a hand, the other person is far more receptive to talking, laughing, sharing jokes, smiling and smiling back.
What a difference something so simple can make.
Better yet, it doesn't cost one single cent!
Even better, the good will flowing back to you will make you feel SO much better, too.
That is such a good thing that you will find yourself looking for more people to reach out to.
Your finger won't feel as stiff or sore from the lack of working so hard on its own.
It may not be the fastest way to change the world, but it will make a huge difference in your personal world.
It will also make a difference in the personal world of all the new friends you will have.
Don't stop there!
It works on animals, too! Don't believe me? That's okay, but please, just try it.
So, now that we are all smiling and being kinder and gentler in our daily lives, we can focus on other ways to improve not only ourselves, but the world around us!
You up for the challenge?
Me, too!
Well, what are we waiting for. Let's get moving!
See you next week!
