Unfortunate, Needless, Soul-Sucking Habit

The negative talk continues. Think about how common conversation, with comments like, "Did you hear about their divorce?" or "Did you see what she was wearing?" And what about the gossip along our own high school hallways, ricocheting from locker to locker? Need I mention magazines? Or social media? We are surrounded every single day by negativity, rumors, and unnecessary drama from the majority of people in our lives.

We (Yes, including myself!) have learned to utilize this as a conversation-filler, a sad way of emotional therapy, a defense mechanism, a total time waster, and even a way we connect with the people in our lives. We talk about others so casually that often times, we don't realize we're even doing it. It is a hateful, nasty habit supported by our own insecurities.

We often think our words are meaningless, but they're not. Consider how you would feel if you heard someone saying negative, hateful words about you. Tables turned, and now there is a whole new meaning. Our words provide a ripple effect in society. Talking badly about someone says a lot more about the talker than the people we talk about. Most of all, it impacts ourselves. Talking bad about other people gives you no choice but to focus on negativity and living life through a judgmental perspective.

Know this: No amount of negative talk will make you a better, happier, more likable person. If it does in fact make you "feel good", there are likely deeper issues hidden. Happy people don't occupy their mind space with other people's problems because they are busy chasing their own dreams, setting their own goals, and directing their focus on things that truly matter in life.

At the end of the day, we all have our own issues. Pointing out other people's problems will not make yours go away, nor will it make you any happier. Negative words attract negative feelings and experiences. Choose a positive voice instead! <3

XOXO Kate