An internal filter

I often look back, and sometimes, something that someone said to me years ago will creep back. We've all been told by a parent or a friend, something that still hurts us and we wish had never been uttered. It may be a statement that continues to contribute to insecurity.

Then, I look back and remember that I have hurt people. I remember the words I said carelessly, words that wounded people; words I wish I could take back.

Then, I look to the future and recognise that should I have children, I will end up saying something that hurts them, usually unintentionally. We shall have to look at our children and say, "I am a human being. I am imperfect."

As much as we strive to pursue kindness all the days of our lives; there are slip-ups, mess-ups, misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

I cannot control what people say. What I can do is to work on myself, work on how I see things and hear things.

I can work on my own filter, filter out the words that I know are false and grasp onto that which builds me up and helps me.

We are imperfect. I mess it up all the time, man. I say the worst things at the worst times. Yet, we must remember to forgive ourselves and to forgive others, because they mess up too, just like we do.

"Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others. " -Ecclesiastes 7:21-22