Therapy for the Soul

It has been one of those weeks where nothing is going right. Sometimes, I just have to get it off my chest and out into the world. That's what I'm going to do today. However, please be aware that I am not speaking of anyone specifically. I speak in generalized terms of "you"  about my experiences this past week, and "you" could be anyone from the mailman to the guy selling pagers at the mall.



To Whom It May Concern:

I know you are busy. I know you have a million and one things to do in a day. I know this, because I lead a busy life as well. I appreciate the work you do and appreciate that your time is valuable. My time is also valuable, however. I would not have called or emailed you had the matter not been important. I can be patient. I understand that the world does not revolve around me. I only ask that you show me the same courtesy I show you.

I am independent. Some may call it arrogant. I am not arrogant, but I do believe I know what is best for my life. Who knows me better than me, after all? I am not superwoman, though. I don't have all the answers. It is rare that I ask for help, but when I do, please understand that I am not attempting to burden you. If I could do this on my own, I would.

I try to be a good wife, mother, friend, and co-worker. However, I am still human. I fully admit that I make mistakes, and I will do what I can to rectify the situation. My apologies are sincere. I have no hidden motives.

I offer my time, energy, and attention. I offer a shoulder to lean on or an ear to bend. I give to the point of exhaustion. If you have a problem, I will help you in any way I can. I will never turn you away. I will never feel that I am more important than you, or that you are undeserving of my attention. Knowing this, please don't take advantage of my kindness. Please do not mistake my compassion for weakness or stupidity.

I am someone's mother, wife, sister, daughter, niece, cousin, friend. Your words do not affect only me. At the end of the day, you will lay your head down and sleep peacefully, while I attempt to explain to my eight-year-old son why you were so rude and spiteful. I respect your right to voice your opinion, but please be aware of your venue and surroundings.

I do not make the assumption that I know more about your life than you do. I do not pretend to be an expert in the ways of the world. Again, I do not have all the answers. I choose to live my life with love, understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness. I do not see these as bad qualities to possess. If you do, however, kindly turn and walk away. I have done nothing to deserve your hatefulness other than disagree with your opinion.

You do not know me. I do not know you. We are merely strangers passing in a sea of nameless faces. I am not defined by the color of my skin, the number on the scale, or the clothes that I wear. Nor am I uneducated, judgmental, intolerant, homophobic, racist, or discriminatory. If you choose to paint me with such a brush, that is your prerogative. However, know that your accusations are unfounded, and my actions speak louder than your words.

It takes very little effort to offer a sliver of kindness or the hint of a smile. The clouds may be dark now, but the sun will shine once more. Things said in anger and spite cannot be taken back, though.

Words have power. Use them wisely.

Regards,

Gabrielle Evans