LET THEM VS TELL THEM
A couple of years ago I shared my thoughts about the "Let Them Theory" where if people are awful to us, we just let them behave like that and get on with our lives. It never really resonated with me and I explained why in my post (if you missed reading it you can find it HERE).
I don't want people like that in my life, I don't want to have people around me behaving in unkind ways while I pretend it doesn't bother me. It hurts my heart to be near people who do this:
Just Let them.
If they want to choose something or someone over you, LET THEM.
If they want to go weeks without talking to you, LET THEM.
If they are okay with never seeing you, LET THEM.
If they are okay with always putting themselves first, LET THEM.
If they are showing you who they are and not what you perceived them to be, LET THEM.
If they want to follow the crowd, LET THEM.
If they want to judge or misunderstand you, LET THEM.
If they act like they can live without you, LET THEM.
If they want to walk out of your life and leave, hold the door open, AND LET THEM.
Let them lose you. You were never theirs, because you were always your own.
So let them.
A DIFFERENT THEORY
I came across a different theory recently from Vex King. He calls it the "Tell Them Theory" and it's based around kindness and lifting others up. Affirming those who are doing their best in a world that can often be noisy, and fast, and disconnected.
Here's Vex King's Theory:
I'm convinced a Tell Them Theory would make the world a better place.
Think the waiter was friendly?
Tell them.
Your friend looked good today?
Tell them.
Someone's work inspired you?
Tell them.
The world is loud with criticism and quiet with appreciation. Be the exception.
It could make someone's day.
I can get onboard with this way of doing life - remembering to smile, giving a random compliment, acknowledging good service by putting up a review, telling those we care about that they're special - rather than assuming they know. It's not hard, it costs nothing, it's just taking a moment to be kind and to engage with those around us.
BE THAT PERSON
I don't know about you, but I want to be that person - the person who gives voice to words that confirm the worth of others, who speaks kindness and not criticism, who is a cheerleader for my family and friends, who offers acceptance rather than unasked for advice (I read that unasked for advice is just criticism in disguise, and that resonated deeply!)I'm choosing to make this an active part of my life, where I look for opportunities to smile, to speak light into my marriage, and to speak up when I appreciate something about another person - whether it's a family member, a friend, or a random stranger who crosses my path. I'm going to Tell Them.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Have you heard of the "Tell Them" Theory? Does it resonate with you in any way? I'll always be an advocate for anything that encourages kindness and positivity in the world around me. I hope you will be too.
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