A Bag of Cookies

Here's a story to make one think...

A young lady was waiting for her flight in the boarding room of a big airport.

As she would need to wait many hours, she decided to buy a book to spend her time. She also bought a pack of cookies.

She sat down in the chair, in the VIP room of the airport, to rest and read in peace.

Beside the armchair where the pack of cookies lay, a man sat down in the next seat. He opened his magazine and started to read.

When she took out the first cookie, the man took one also. She felt irritated, but said nothing. She just thought…What a nerve! If I was in the mood I would punch him for daring!

For each cookie she took, the man took one. This was infuriating her, but she didn’t want to cause a scene.

When only one cookie remained, she thought…ah, What will this abusive man do now?
Then, the man, taking the last cookie, divided it into half, giving her one half.

Ah, that was too much. She was much too angry now. In a huff, she took her book, her things and stormed to the boarding place.

When she sat down in her seat, inside the plane, she looked into her purse to take her eyeglasses out and to her surprise, her pack of cookies was there. Untouched and unopened!

She felt so ashamed. She realized that she was wrong…She had forgotten that her cookies were kept in her purse.

That man had divided his cookies with her, without feeling angered or bitter.

While she had been angry, thinking that she was dividing her cookies with him. And now there was no chance to explain herself…nor apologize.

There are 4 things you cannot recover:
The stone…after the throw
The word…after it is said
The occasion…after the loss
The time…after it’s gone

Be Kinder With Words

Was there ever a time you forgot the power of words? Words can have an enormous power to hurt, to heal, to uplift, or degrade or make or break reputations.

Words can literally change the way we see the world and how we view the people in it. To help our words to be 'good' :

Don't gossip. Gossiping can damage the teller, the listener and the subject.
Talk about ideas instead. They can educate and stimulate. Speaking poorly of others can make us feel self satisfied, but doesn't improve one's self. Even if the gossip is true, it probably isn't your business anyway to discuss. Practicing verbal restraint and not take satisfaction in news about another. When gossip is coming your way, do your best to change the subject

Think before you speak. Do you ever ask yourself who would benefit from what you're about to say? You might hurt someone's feelings or self esteem could be damaged if you make a comment without thinking first.

Confident people sometimes even have feelings of self doubt or worries. Consider sharing a kind word or compliment or smile with not only the people you know, but with strangers you come across on a daily basis. You might brighten someone's day. Look for the good in other people rather than the negative and this will keep you from not only using negative words, but being kinder with your words.

Also remember when being kinder with words towards other, include yourself also. Don't slam yourself about your faults, weaknesses or mistakes. Use them to promote self growth and tell yourself you will do better.

Source: Beliefnet.com