Greetings and Good Monday Morning Everyone!
I hope all and that you're off to an amazing start this morning. I had a nice and relaxing weekend, and I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing the new movie, Coming 2 America. I wanted briefly talk about "toxic noise" because, I feel like if I'd listened to all of the critics about this movie; I would've never watched it. So, this week I want to briefly discuss the importance of ignoring "toxic noise" and focusing on being positive. So without further delay, let's dive into this week's message!
With so much disinformation and misinformation out here it's easy to be influenced one way or another. I recall listening to one of my favorite radio show, and the host gave her opinion on the new sequel, Coming 2 America, and it was disheartening. It's disheartening because, she knew that a lot of people haven't seen the movie yet, but she felt it was necessary to "spoil" the movie for everyone. If I'd listened to her I probably wouldn't have even watched the movie, or I would've been very critical when I finally watched the movie, but I didn't. When I watched the movie, I remained objective with an open mind, and I believe that's what we must do. Keeping an open mind, and doing your own research when necessary. As Levar Burton, the former host of popular children's educational television show, Reading Rainbow, would say, "you don't have to take my word for it." I appreciate those who are very opinionated, we need people who challenge us, but it's disingenuous when it's used to be mean-spirited. On the other hand, if you're the kind of person that likes to be the "devil's advocate" or the opposition in the room, remember that your words carries weight. Depending on who you are, your words give merit to what you say, and people will "hang" on to your every word. Although, my example of the release of Coming 2 America seems, trivial and small in terms of the point that I'm trying to make, I think it's relevant, and relates to many different ways in which people ruin how others organically respond to a situation. I don't want someone else's opinion to negative impact the way that I respond to something. It's difficult sometimes, especially when you're close friends with someone, or if you're more apt to "go along to get along" because, you want to be a support system for your friend, but it doesn't help anyone. With that said, I think that if you know that's something that you are guilty of, you must dig deeper to combat that side of yourself that may cause you to be subjective rather than objective. Going forward, ignore the noise and be cautious of the opinions of others and what you decide to believe.
As I close, I want you to remember that your words matter and your opinion matters. Try to be mindful of how and what you say to your circle of friends and family affects and influences them. It's the lasting effects that makes a difference because, once it's out in the ether you cannot take back what you've said. Make sure what you say speaks positivity in the world. There's power in the tongue remember to you use yours wisely. May you have a wonderful day and week and may peace be upon you.
“Save your skin from the corrosive acids from the mouths of toxic people. Someone who just helped you to speak evil about another person can later help another person to speak evil about you.”
― Israelmore Ayivor