Good Intentions And Headwear

We have all done it and regretted it afterwards. We are either drawn into or feel the need to volunteer our opinion in someone else's situation. It may be a simple neighbor dispute, child rearing issue, a family squabble or something at the work place. The worst possible case is a crisis of romance. What generally happens? The party we were attempting to “help” uses our good intentions to bolster their position, putting us at odds with the other party for in their mind we have now taken a "side". If it is in the relationship arena if they reconcile that "well intended" support comes back to haunt us, our words of  “comfort” often putting us on the outs with both parties!

“Do not wear another man’s hat” was salient advice given early in the last century by Emmet Fox. Simply, we do not engage in gossip, seemingly well-intended little character assassinations or take sides when family, romance or the heart is involved. When we do we don the “other man’s hat” and pay accordingly. Our course is simple but not easy, in prayer we invoke love for all involved, leaving their judgment to a Power Greater than Ourselves, seeking only to be of service without being negative, being supportive but keeping our opinions close to the vest, between ourselves and God. This will take time and practice to become a working part of the mind but it is the path that provides serenity and will help us avoid those hard looks and cold shoulders in meeting rooms, over the holiday dinner table or backyard fence.

© Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, Serenity, Enlightenment, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, Four Agreements, Chopra, Jesus, Einstein, AA, McRaven, Healing Path