Things You Realize as You Get Older and/or Dive Too Deep Into the Comments Sections of the Internet

Things you realize as you get older and/or dive too deep into the comments sections of the Internet:

• If you can’t fix crazy and stupid, then you sure as hell can’t fix bitter and entitled. Just take a deep breath, let it go, show as much kindness as you can muster (or walk away) and only think of these people when you need cautionary tales to tell your kids or other loved ones.

• No one achieves anything alone.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it and be willing to help out if you’re able. The ones who ought to be ashamed aren’t the ones who ask for help. The ones who ought to be ashamed are the ones who deny giving help (or shame others for asking for it) on the basis of entitlement, fear, selfishness, an overblown love of competition or an attitude of scarcity.

• Your job on this planet isn’t to constantly compete with each other nor is it to constantly tear each other down. Your job is to take your gifts/talents/passions and use them the best way you know how to help others.

• That said, happiness and truly being able to help others effectively, is much easier once you start to take care of yourself. Even if you’re only able to do small things for yourself. You don’t have to be perfect at it, but you are pretty much required to at least try.

• You may find yourself around people who actively try to tear you down in order to build themselves up. It’s okay to feel empathy for them: It is important to strive to understand others when you can. But just because you can understand where someone is coming from, doesn’t mean you have to keep subjecting yourself to their bad behavior. It’s okay to (respectfully) speak up. (Sometimes people aren’t aware of how terrible they’re being, but once they are they’ll try to be better.) It’s okay to walk away. (Sometimes people are aware and they don’t care. Which usually means you should get the hell out of there.)

• Worth remembering: Sometimes, self-care = asking for help when you need it. Also, sometimes self-care = avoiding the comments sections of the Internet when you can. 

Take care of yourselves out there. I hope you’re all having a lovely start to the week. 🙂