THE LOST ART OF RELATIONSHIP
feeling better about themselves. We become someone that others like to be around. We are less likely to live in judgment and high criticism of others, and we are also more likely to have people around us because sweetness elevates and attracts others.
Sweetness in our attitude and disposition, a genuine sweetness of a life that understands forgiveness, will eventually bring light into the lives of others and maybe even a smile to their face. Of course, you will always have others who wallow in their bitterness and inadvertently, or even intentionally, try to make you bitter as well.
Have you ever met someone that consistently maintains a calm demeanor? They take things slowly, try to see the best in others, and do not react quickly to adversity? They seem to have a positive attitude and show respect for others unapologetically. This is a person that has come to learn that responding with a clear head and kindness to someone who lives in bitterness can keep you from falling into the same bitter pool of emotions.
The only response that will help us rise above bitterness is to pray for them, continually forgive them, and treat them with kindness to the best of our ability. It can be difficult, but both the internal and eternal rewards will be sweeter.
Happiness
When you live a life of forgiveness, life becomes sweeter, and you have more opportunities to experience happiness. Happiness is a biological response to an external or internal trigger in our life. When the trigger is engaged, a chemical reaction happens in our brains: endorphins are released, and we enter into a “euphoric” mode.
When I have coached people, I will often say never make decisions when in any kind of emotional state, whether angry, happy, sad, or jealous. The reason for this is simple: when you are elevated emotionally, it is more difficult to operate in the logical and sensible decision areas.
People often mistake happiness as something other than emotion. Yes, you can experience happiness through a change of perspective, which is the point I am trying to make. However, happiness should not be a metric for how well your life is going.
I will be sad at times, especially upon remembering my mom’s passing from this life. If someone says, “Look on the bright side, you will see her again someday,” this does not make me feel happy. At that moment, sadness, also an emotion, can be healthy as I remember her. When I begin to focus on the legacy she placed in me for service to others, humility, and the ability to hum and sing