Oil over water


 I’m a sucker for a kind word.
They go a long way with people and oil the choppy waters of everyday life.
They cost nothing either.
I had a discussion about examining the motivations in people with my supervisor yesterday.
And the conclusion stood
Some people can be nasty arseholes at times
Period
Others can have motivations so hidden and ingrained that a wizard couldn’t unearth them 
People are complex and chaotic 
Seldom are we linear

 

20 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:23 am

    If you ever decide to write a book “Seldom are we linear “ would be a superb title
    Thank you for this post this morning John
    Siobhan x

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  2. Kind words are so nice and can absolutely make your day. Arseholes just need some some direction to know they can be cared for and respected, if they behave.

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  3. I believe that, like a lot of things, being nice is a choice. Some people choose not to be.

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  4. Anonymous12:15 pm

    It doesn’t cost anything to be nice, my Mother always said. Gigi

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  5. Travel is right. We receive back what we put into this world. People who complain constantly, criticize endlessly, belittle always, are at the heart of it, damaged and broken people. Knowing this does not make them any easier to deal with, however.

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  6. I can certainly be both kind and unkind. I have to work really hard at times, to be kind, especially when I feel threatened. Yesterday here in the U.S. stirred up so many unkind emotions in me, most of which come from pure fear. I am so scared for our future. I know that elsewhere in the world, others live in daily, literal danger, and then I feel like a spoiled child. So, I am unbalanced now, and need to retreat and reframe, so I don't take out my emotions ON anyone.

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  7. Anonymous1:32 pm

    Amen to that
    Alison in Wales x

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  8. It's always nice to be appreciated for the hard work you have done, John. Congrats on the successful flower show.

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  9. It costs nothing to be kind but the rewards are huge. A simple please or thank you, accompanied by a genuine smile can really make someone's day. xx

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  10. Barbara Anne5:11 pm

    What a lovely letter Ms Gittins wrote to all involved in the work to put the delightful Flower Show, 2024, together! You are so right that it cost little of her time to write the letter, but oh, the far-reaching ripples of happiness and pleasure for the volunteers to whom the letter is addressed.
    Kindness is free and helps make the world go around.
    Hope you're over the virus and are feeling good again.

    Hugs!

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  11. Kindness doesn't cost a thing yet it is one of the richest gifts you can give someone.

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  12. Nice thank you note. Good of her to thank you all.

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  13. Is linear something we should strive for? Would attaining linearity arrive at the cost of creativity and even happiness?

    I doubt she wrote that note, she has aides and interns, but a sweet thought that you al l found pleasing.

    lizzy

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  14. We need more kindness in the world. xoxo

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  15. I salute Becky Gittins. Which political party does she represent?

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  16. Receiving and giving kindness definitely makes us feel so much better.

    I agree that we are complex beings and would find it hard to work out reasons for our behaviour at times. I like the answer from your supervisor.

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  17. Nice to get a letter..and feel appreciated. As you say, it doesn't take much to do.

    Yes, people are complicated..and no response is predictable. Makes life interesting!! Xx

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  18. I experienced an act of kindness just this morning and felt compelled to be nice to my nasty neighbour on the way home. It works.

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  19. Anonymous2:31 pm

    Hope you are feeling better?

    Ceci

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  20. Pretty nice, getting a letter from your MP! Better frame it.

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I love all comments Except abusive ones from arseholes