The Other Side of You

Hello and Happy Monday (already and again)! This week's Meaningful Monday post will kick off a series on perspectives and the many different ways we can look at situations. I'll do my best to keep them short and sweet, because, well, you're busy and have things to do. So let's get to it.

As part of our morning routine, most of us look in the mirror to make sure we are at least somewhat presentable for whatever the day may have in store for us. As we stand in front of the mirror, we see the reflection of ourselves looking back at us.

Going about our lives out in the world, the people with whom we interact can be like mirrors, too. They can reflect back to us what we offer through our words, actions, and body language. I don't know about you, but this definitely gives me "cause for pause" to think about how I may be affecting someone else.

How we choose to show up in the world is so important. Are you kind, are you impatient, frustrated, or disengaged? A momentary word of frustration can have lasting negative effects on someone else, who just might be having a tough day. The opposite is also true. A kind word or gesture can make a positive difference to uplift someone's day. Going back to an earlier post about the Butterfly Effect (also known as the Law of Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions), scientists have proven that the smallest action, intended or unintended, can have lasting consequences. In even simpler terms, everything you do matters.

The Butterfly Effect concept also reminds me of three questions I saw somewhere in my Internet travels about improving our emotional intelligence (EQ) that seem to fit here:

• Does this need to be said?

• Does this need to be said by me?

• Does this need to be said by me now?

This week's reflection (pun intended) is: What is it like to be on the other side of you? How are you showing up? Are your words and actions kind?