Karen's Philosophy - part II

My Philosophy - part II

So, I started a series on my philosophy.  To be honest, thinking about that, I must be egotistical.  Who tries to push her philosophy on others?  Please do not think I am pushing my philosophies - I never want to push anything (other than doors that say “push”)!!

So, back to those Judeo/Christian origins.  

While it is a New Testament concept, I think it relates to the Old Testament as well.  The “Golden Rule”.  In Matthew 7:12 we have this: “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”

Basically, to me, that means “be nice to others and (hopefully) they will be nice to you.”  As I’ve aged, I’ve seen bullies that aren’t nice, and I don’t like that.  I like the adage “If you can be anything, be nice”.  Even to the cranky clerk, I need to be nice.  Even to the person who is trying to take advantage of me (like a car repair shop that wants to jack up the prices), I must be nice.  That doesn’t necessarily mean I need to be a push-over.  But, even if the person/company takes advantage over me, that might be okay.  (see next point)

I am not to judge.  (Okay, I fail at that concept).  The Bible suggests “Don’t judge lest you be judged”.  The old Indian proverb talks about “walk a mile in their shoes” before you can really evaluate who and what they are about.  

In my Judeo/Christian view, I view God as the ultimate judge. So, somebody that really screwed me over intentionally - not my problem.  God is going to get him!!  (Although, I may want God to hit the person with a bolt of lightning at that moment!!)  In the big scheme of things, so I go to my grave missing a few hundred dollars that somebody took from me.  I am not going to carry a grudge; I am not going to lose sleep over it.  

There are always going to be toxic people for me (and for others).  I don’t know their reasons, but I don’t have to.  Maybe they have terrible abdominal pain or constant pain.  Maybe their son/daughter committed suicide and they are blaming themselves.  Maybe they had a huge fight with their spouse that morning just before I met them.

I have called myself a “Pollyanna” a few times in the past.  The definition of a Pollyanna is “the name being taken from a book of the same title, means “an excessively or blindly optimistic person.”  You know the car that cut you off in traffic and then flashed the finger at you.  His wife just called from the hospital and she is having their first child.  Or, his dear, precious mother might only last twenty more minutes, and he is rushing to the hospital to give his mother a final hug.  Yes, I know those aren’t true, but they could be.  I’m not going to call him a ‘jerk’ or an ‘asshole’ (excuse me, I never use that word.  I think it might be the first time I’ve ever typed it!!!)  

There are people (I know some seniors), that cannot say anything nice to me or others.   I am NOT going to retaliate in kind.  That is who they are.  I can’t change them, and I try not to let them ruin my day!!  They have had a tough life.  In the past year, I have made good friends with two wonderful women who were abused by their fathers.  I understand their pent-up anger, their hurts.  I sympathize with them.  And, I will be nice to them!!!  

So, do unto others as you would have them do to you!!  

Other relevant scriptures: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” (Matthew 5:38-40).

(That Jesus guy was really a radical, and it seems like we want to ‘sanitize’ him)

So, let’s make that the first day of my philosophy.  Yes, I would NOT be a good soldier or cop!!

What do you think?  Are there times we need to stand up for our rights?

Karen