YOU CAN’T CLEAN DIRT WITH DIRT 🧹

When I read this quote, I immediately loved it. It seems so logical on the surface. You might think it is something that everyone with half a brain would know. You should be right. When we look at what happens between countries on a global scale, however, it would seem those in the greatest positions of power missed this memo. How much retribution are we seeing. This country, or group of people, attack another group. Therefore, that group has to pay them back. That payback generates a retaliation from the first group. It creates and endless loop of violence.

While the examples may not be so great on a personal scale, the formula is the same. Someone hurts us so we hurt them. When they get hurt do they stop and think, “Wow. That must have been what it felt like when I hurt them originally. I feel this is my sign to wake up and improve my behavior.”? My guess is the answer would be a solid ‘No’. They are then feeling hurt and want to get back at us. It takes a well-trained and calm mind to react kindly when someone else hurts us.

This is not advocating letting others walk all over us. Not at all. What we are talking about is living life with thoughtful action and not emotional reaction. You might want to read that last line again. Living a life of emotional reaction is what can lead to generational abuse, and increasing the hate in the world. The negative news in the world can be overwhelming some days. One way to counteract that is to respond to darkness with light. To respond to hate with love. It is not easy and you may feel it makes you look weak. I think we all can admit you have to be a much stronger person to do so.

Today, respond to whatever negativity you encounter with positivity. It will not only reduce your stress and increase your inner peace. It will brighten and clean the world. Remember the quote above. You cannot clean dirt with dirt.