“You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own. And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing with just that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything. . . affects everything.” ― Jay Asher
No one really thinks about the things they do and say. We don’t realize, sometimes may not even care, how our actions affect other people. The effect can be good or it can be bad, and there is no telling how big of an effect it may have on their lives. I know we don’t intend to have this effect, but it’s better to realize that we do.
I really never thought about this concept until I read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. The book is about a girl who commits suicide and leaves recordings explaining the reasons she did it and how the people played a part in it. I mean this book is more about the bad consequences than the good, but it still shows how much something can make an impact.
Obviously, you may never find out about this impact. I mean people don’t usually leave recordings telling how you hurt them or tell you to your face. However, shouldn’t you still feel guilty for the things you say and do to hurt people? You may forget the mean comment you made to someone years ago, but they still remember and probably think about it when they are feeling down.
“Be careful what you say. You can say something hurtful in ten seconds, but ten years later, the wounds are still there.” -Joel Osteen
I still remember many hurtful comments and actions people have done towards me. They may have just been meant as a joke or lighthearted, but they don’t feel that way. They still run through my head when I’m feeling down about myself and make me feel even worse. I know we are all guilty of doing these things myself included. I am trying to be more careful with the things I say and evaluate if it will be hurtful.
Although I keep focusing on the bad effects, there are also many good effects. I mean when someone says something really nice to you or about you or compliments you, it affects you also, but in a very good way. We remember all the things that touch us and make us feel good about ourselves too. You remember when someone says something or does something that makes your day.
People say mean things and put each other down to feel better about themselves, but wouldn’t it be better if we all just said nice things and brought each other up? We should think more about what we’re saying before we speak. We should all consider how our words and actions will affect people. We don’t know what all these people are going through or how they will handle negative comments. We all just need to be more careful and thoughtful with our words.
-Love, Dee
Flamingle 