Sadly, we see people dishonouring others daily by the way the way they treat them through words, putting people down, trying to embarrass them and tarnishing their reputation by speaking badly of them to others. It is said we do this out of a selfish ambition. Keen to take sides rather than seek connection.
I can’t speak for you but I do know when I have dishonoured others in the past it has been down to my own insecurities and feelings of jealousy towards someone else. I’m not proud of this but I do now try to think before I open my big mouth and ask myself the following questions, often attributed to Socrates or Rumi. Whoever it was who originally said it, it’s good to remind ourselves before speaking:
“Is it true, is it necessary, is it kind?”
Someone once said the following:
“What you say about others says more about you than it does about them.”
Something to think about before opening my mouth, or posting that message. Or as Shannon L Alder puts it:
“Often those that criticise others reveal what he himself lacks.”
Ouch!! That hits right where it hurts.
It’s tempting to speak about others to deflect people talking about me. Pointing out other people’s flaws can be a way to try to protect ourselves and make ourselves feel good. This is why we need to take seriously what Wentworth Dillon said:
“Words spoken can never be recalled.”
They are remembered, and even if forgiven have been said. And in our age of social media, can literally remain for ever. Let’s try to learn from our mistakes and be people who speak good of one another and remember: “Is it true, is it necessary, is it kind?”
Enjoy the game.
Written by Baz (Co-CEO). Originally appeared in various Programmes for Rotherham United games.
