When One Is Too Many

 The apology you neglected to make.

The commitment you forgot.

The inconsiderate comment.

The white lie.

Any lie.

Lack of integrity

Disrespect.

Making any assumption without knowing the truth.

Judgment.

Failing to forgive.

An excuse.

Holding onto a grudge.

           We all know the expression, “No one is perfect.”  A lot of us are prone to fall short of being the best of who we are.  That doesn’t, however, diminish our responsibility to address life situations respectfully. 

          One of my favorite books is The Four Agreements, published in 1997 by Miguel Ruiz.  He identifies the agreements as the following: Be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best. Ruiz goes on to say that following these 4 basic rules leads to personal freedom.

          When I came up with the idea of sharing thoughts about one being too many, I realized that none of us can measure the impact of one nasty comment, one forgotten birthday, holding onto a grudge, speaking unkindly about someone to a third party, not honoring a commitment or anything else that can negatively impact another individual.  How many of us right now live with some regret?  I bet we could all be easier on ourselves and others.  I’m sure if we could ‘turn back the clock’ we’d take back unnecessary comments, be kinder and hold onto precious moments as if our last. 

 When One Is Never Enough!

Compliments offered frequently.

Consideration of other’s feelings

Generosity in both time and money

Acceptance of differences.

Expressing gratitude.

Sharing love.

             What does it take to create more loving relationships, a kinder world and the freedom to speak truthfully?  What will it take to get past the color of one’s skin, one’s religious preference, culture or any other distinguishing factor different from our own? I believe it takes an ongoing commitment to live with integrity, to hold one’s self accountable and to be a more forgiving person.   It requires looking beyond our own desires and wants in order to feel greater compassion toward those less fortunate.  While we can’t change the world, we can change the impact we have on it.  We can care.  We can support.  We can reach out.  We can be more understanding.  While one may be too many under certain circumstances, one is never enough to bring peace and harmony to our troubled world.  It requires all of us – one individual at a time – to create a better world.  Can I count on you?