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COLUMN: COVID-19 creating a heartless society?

Now is not the time to 91Ƶshould91Ƶ on each other
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Let91Ƶs practice compassion and perhaps the world could be a gentler place amid these trying time. (K-J Millar - The Northern View)

On the heels of a day dedicated to honouring those who sacrificed so much for us, and in a world ripe with sanctimonious attitudes, I can91Ƶt help but wonder whatever happened to respect?

There91Ƶs an old saying that respect is earned, not given. Or is that trust?

Either way, I think that expression is completely out of date and out of touch.

Why shouldn91Ƶt we offer everyone our respect (or trust for that matter)? Is it because of our own jaded past, our wretched experiences with unsavoury souls that makes us hold that trust and respect close, unwilling to lend it to anyone new?

When you think about it, that really isn91Ƶt fair. How dare we let our past cast a shadow on our future? Is that fair to anyone new and innocent who could turn out to be a great friend, a partner or a colleague?

There91Ƶs a saying I learned a while ago about not 91Ƶshould-ing91Ƶ on ourselves or others. 91ƵYou should do this,91Ƶ or 91Ƶyou should do that.91Ƶ We91Ƶve all done it, and we91Ƶve all heard it. It91Ƶs seemingly innocent advice giving, but it is also unnecessary. Plus, it91Ƶs really not nice to 91Ƶshould on91Ƶ anyone.

Now, more than ever, a little more compassion and kindness is needed in this world. People are stressed about their health, their jobs, their future, their children. It91Ƶs making us all a little on edge and even pushing some over. Sadly, many people have become cold and callous. Whether it91Ƶs over differing political views or COVID-19 beliefs.

People just do not offer kindness as freely as they cast judgment. And everyone seems to have their own self-righteous opinion of everything.

I can91Ƶt say I91Ƶm not guilty of the same. Especially with all the stress and despair in the world right now.

But what if, instead of robbing Peter to feed Paul91Ƶs ego, we gave each other the benefit of the doubt?

What if we offered respect to one and all? It91Ƶs free to give. And if someone lets you down, it91Ƶs also free to take back. Or maybe they will surprise you and earn even greater respect.

Perhaps the world could be a gentler place if we all just showed a little more compassion to each other first.

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jennifer@vernonmorningstar.com

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Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

20-year-Morning Star veteran
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