I have become a firm believer that if one does not have something positive to say or a true constructive criticism to make, than one should keep it's piehole shut.
The easier it becomes to know about everything a friend is doing through the daily feeds of internet social media, the easier it's become to hit that reply button with major diarrhea of the mouth.
On the other side of the argument is the fact that if you post what you want, you might read what you don't. As we expose our everyday lives in this sudden voyeurism obsession, we open the doors for feedback.
But I believe there is still room for kindness, for uniqueness, for caring. If a comment will add absolutely nothing constructive, then why do it? Yesterday, I read an article about
21 pictures that will restore your faith in humanity. I cried the whole time, because in the end, I believe we can be kind more frequently than we can be mean.
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44 comments:
nice art
I remember that video, I think I posted it a long time ago ... but I have never seen many of the rest of these photos and they're wonderful!
I have been having a really hard time with people, lately. It's causing some social anxiety. It's nice to remember that not everyone is mean.
And I'll add one. A 6 year old was going through the drawers in a hotel room and found $10,000. His dad explained they had to turn it in to the police. Pretty cool.
ps: I love the painting. (My ex used to call them spies! Because they would hang on our screen porch and look in at us.)
Hello my young friend, love your post as always and always agree. Your "bug" is pretty cute, and this one I wouldn't squash flatter than a flitter. Either alive or on here. Hugs and have a great day xoxoxoxox
Beautiful artwork, Ana! Being kind is so simple to do that I'm not sure why people don't do it more often. And I'm absolutely baffled why people are purposely mean. How do they behave that way without feeling guilty? How do they justify their malicious actions? And how do they live with themselves?
A very astute observation Ana. It is a very old saying but one that bears constant repetition as too many times it is forgotten. If one doesn't have anything nice to say, then it's best not to say anything at all.
Yes social media has gotten crazy, some people spend unbelievable amounts of time on it and I wonder if they've lost touch with the real world ?
Now, you know I've been away ... things are way too serious and stressful here right now with Aimee, but something told me to read your blog and yup, sure enough, you made my day. Love you kiddo.
Jan
O goodness, I cried too -- kindness to animals and children especially means a lot to me (the elderly too). I totally hear you.
love your painting. You have added beautiful colors here.
first, love the art. the depth of color is so rich. Second, well said! I run across so many people in my day who just want to spout their own opinions vs. have a conversation and truly listen to the person sitting across from them. It's tiring, and its presumptuous. And to your point .... they open themselves up to hear what they don't want, or don't like from the people around them.
I am so sorry you have been victim of "mean" people. Social Media is the perfect place for people to lash out with out the consequences of a face to face. I still think there is more of us than them.
Love your grasshoppers. Much prettier than the real thing.
Ana, I am sorry if you received mean comments... You are right and so wonderful to put more kindness and beauty out into our universe! Kindness grows more kindness, Ana. Keep being strong, beautiful you! Hugs, kath PS. Your grasshopper is gorgeous, love the colors!
such a lovely painting, the colors are beautiful.
words are powerful, it is good to pay attention to how we use them.
I am with you about not making comments if they are not constructive. Beautiful artful watercolor!
Ok, now I'm crying too after seeing that link...hee...
Amen and Hallelujah to everything you said here....kindness kindness kindness. I try to actively stay away from sarcastic and mean-spirited people...where as in the past I was much more tolerant.
I wish you a glorious week...(and how gorgeous is this painting?!!)
Makes me happy! :))) You are very talented...
Hugs,
- Irina
Oh God...those photos really turned me upside down...honestly thank you
Those 21 photos were compelling. There is another saying: If you have to choose between being right and being kind, always choose to be kind.
Oh, I love this mantis! :)And I agree. Even if I'm annoyed by some of the FB feeds I keep my mouth shut. :) And I try to see positive stuff instead of negative.
I love the artwork my friend. And I agree - I see nothing good (at all) about making negative comments like that. I understand contrictive criticism but this doesn't sound like it was that.
I'll click on the link in a few seconds...but first must say...I heartily agree...and will practice kindness and love in the written word.
Those photos were so touching...they restore my faith in humanity. I so agree with you on social media...Facebook is becoming less fun and much more draining for me. Your painting, as always, is beautiful!
Those were wonderful photos! It always warms the heart to see the good in humanity - something we don't hear or see much of in the media these days. Seems like doom & gloom is everywhere. But what a difference a kind word or even just a smile does for people. A shame more folks can't stop just for a moment to show some kindness.
i started crying right at #1 and the eyes stayed wet all the way though #21. thanks so much for posting that link. more good. i have to believe that.
I think that kindness and thoughtfulness has become lost, and it's a sad thing. It makes me turn away from people, knowing how awful they're most likely to be. Sharing isn't about getting to know one another anymore, but an expression of vulnerabilities that people are more likely to take advantage of than not. I do not post unkind things if at all possible (I'm sure I slip now and again.) There are times when things can be improved with feedback that falls into criticism, but even that should be gentle.
Good choice of insects to go along with your post'11 I do worry about my blogs sometime. Feel I'm being too critical of people in public life - but there is a part of me that is protective of those I see less apt to be able to protect themselves and when I see rich powerful (usually) men taking advantage, I try to speak out and suffer the inner criticism silently. Love the paintings!!
I love your art! I will go check out the link, too. People frequently tell me that I'm thoughtful when I am just doing basically courteous things...I don't know if manners are just a lost art.
You have such a beautiful way with words and your thoughts....I absolutely adore your posts! You always make me think, and your kindness is just incredible. I always enjoy my visits here, and will be back often.
Totally in agreement and I love your colourful art....
Karen x
I'm with you -- if you can't be civil, don't do it, don't say it. Be private about it at least. Not everyone will agree, but to be able to express an opinion versus bashing another is only the right thing to do.
I am in total agreement with your assessment. Just this afternoon at the office, someone asked me my opinion about someone, and I recalled that Mom used to say that if you can't say anything nice about someone, you shouldn't say anything at all.
Sometimes, I do fear that my kindness is mistaken for a weakness... something which no one should do.
~shoes~
PS:
I just noticed the link to the 21 photos... there is nothing wrong with random acts of kindness.
Unfortunately, there's a shortage of that kind of behavior today...
:o(
You always have the most thoughtful posts.
Thank you.
~shoes~
How touching - your post, and the 21 photos. Thank you.
Magnifique et surprenant à la fois. Bravo.
Amicalement.
Roger
Just think of all the happiness this one post has given to all the thirty-some comment makers with regard to kindness in the world. If we can build up faith in goodness instead of tearing down then we are doing our job of expanding love!
Thank you so much for expanding love in this bloggy-world! :~)xxx
And kindness is free and good for health !
Your painting is beautiful and I agree with you about caring. I would be mortified if I'd upset anyone on my blog as my intention is to make people happy rather than sad. If they do get annoyed with me, my belief is that they must have misunderstood something. I make paintings to(hopefully) make people happy.
Thankyou for another thoughtful post, I shall go and click that link now! :) xx
I teach writing, and students workshop/critique one another's work. Yesterday was the first day of a 3-week class and I found myself reminding them to be kind to one another, as I always do at the beginning of any term. And I love your artwork!
Yes, what ever happened to being nice? Your praying mantis looks very pretty by the way! Going to check out your link now...
Wonderful work. Each of which has within itself.
I am with you my friend ;o) I love your post and the painting ;o) Hugs ;o)
I came back to say, I went to the link and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for sharing it! Big Hugs ;o))))
Hi IA ~ Such a lovely post! I loved the link. The world needs lots more kindness.
Teary eyed while looking at the photos from the link you shared... they're absolutely heartwarming...
And your art is lovely as always, Ana <3 :-)
Agreed. Sometimes it's too much - the constant updates, the overflow of info but occasionally those beautiful tender thoughts weave themselves through the BS. I look forward to reading this article...better grab some Kleenex. xoxo, Introvert.
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