Give Joy.

I recently encountered a rather unpleasant situation which gave me reason to pause. It is quite alarming how human beings find it so difficult to interact with each other on a daily basis. Adults, young and old can learn so much from children especially in their younger years. You see, hatred and bigotry in any form is learned behavior. It is interesting to observe children in kindergarten or nursery schools. They are all friends and play together regardless of their racial or ethnic background. Yes, they will fight and name call but usually in silly ways.

I handled my unpleasant encounter quite gracefully but that's what lead me to think of how small children interact with each other. I am comforted knowing that I've learned to deal with most unpleasant situations in a manner with which some folks may disagree. However, like Ghandi, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King Jr and countless others, non violence works. When I look back, I'm reminded of a passage from the book "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne which says:

Every single day, no matter who you meet in the day - friends, family, work colleagues, strangers - give joy to them. Give a smile or a compliment or kind words or kind actions, but give joy! Do your best to make sure that every single person you meet has a better day because they saw you. This might sound like it is not connected with you and your life, but believe me it is inseparably connected through cosmic law.

As you give joy to every person you meet, you bring joy to YOU. The more you can give joy to others, the more you will bring the joy back to you.

May the joy be with you".