I used to love reading the Gossip Girl books as a kid. I remember anxiously awaiting the next book release so I could get caught up in the crazy world of rich teenagers in New York. To say it was a bit different than life in North Dakota is not a big stretch. I couldn’t believe their glamorous lives full of all kinds of drama, and I remember naively thinking I wanted that.
Now I couldn’t be more glad my life is nothing like the ones detailed in the books and the TV show. And here’s why.
Some people think gossip is harmless, that it’s just venting. But is it really? To be honest, I did my fair share of gossip in my life. I’m not proud of that, but now is the time to change it. Shaming others seems to have become second nature in our society, and I don’t want to contribute to that any longer.
It’s far too easy to find flaws in other people. To say “I can’t believe so-and-so did this.” Or “Did you see what she posted on Facebook this weekend?” Or “Oh my gosh, did you see what just happened? How embarrassing/rude/pathetic/etc.” I’m sure you can think of a few examples off the top of your head right now as well. And that’s exactly my point.
There’s already more than enough gossip, whispers, pointing and judging to go around. Way more than enough. I don’t want to be responsible for bringing any more negativity into this world.
So here is my pledge, right here and right now. I will no longer be a part of gossip, whispers, shaming, put-downs, etc. I’m still making my way through my self-love journey. How can I learn to love myself if I constantly put other people down? It’s simple: I can’t.
I don’t want to be responsible for making anyone else feel bad or less than. I spent too many days, weeks, months, years, feeling exactly the same way. While I’m a stronger person now because of that, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t believe in the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”
Even if no one else hears me bad-talking someone else in my head, that doesn’t make me feel very good about myself. Words are powerful, especially negative words. Saying them or even thinking them can be really destructive, and I wish more people realized that.
I’m not perfect, you’re not perfect and nobody else is either. But we can all try to be better people and spread some positivity, or at the very least not spread around any more negativity.
I hope you’re all having a great day, and know that you’re beautiful, worthy and so very loved.
You know I love you.
XOXO, Jessica
