What happened to the ‘Golden Rule’? It’s not about the gold?

As I’m sitting at my ‘Starbucks’ I’ve already seen a few rather impatient customers who would benefit greatly in considering how they treat others! Yes, the golden rule isn’t about how much gold you own but how you treat those around you. Especially in the context of customers who assume that the world revolves around them. I just spent the last couple of hours helping someone, paid their wireless bill and the individual wasn’t too nice. I still paid after explaining the circumstances for helping. (It was a tech issue not people.)

Why is it the case that all sides of what appear to be crisis issues that face the world around us, politics, alternative facts, climate change, the wall, etc.… seem to always put people at odds? Isn’t it possible to stop for a few, catch your breath and show some common sense and courtesy? Imagine what would happen if kindness, not fairness became the mindset of all? Instead of screaming at someone, assuming the worst, why not give this individual a chance? I know that there are many that will bash our new president or presidential supporters that will pretend that everything is ‘hunky dory’?

Is it possible for someone without means, the gold, to be in a position of leadership and power? Why do some assume that the pathway to greatness or leadership is all about wealth? Why do the world CEO’s have to make 100 x of the average employee salary? How is it possible that the wealth of the world is in the hands of a few? The good news is that a few of those that have the gold are great at divesting their wealth by helping and empowering others!

I was amazed last night as I listened to a new college intern talk about the importance of treating all people, regardless of circumstances with respect. The clear message from her was that you ultimately control the world around you by how you treat others. It’s so easy to want to scream at a neighbor, friend, spouse or your kid because of the injustices in the world. The louder you scream unfortunately the more distress you cause. The poor choice of words at the Women’s March recently by Madonna didn’t help the cause. (Yes, Fbombs and threats about the White House will never be received well!)

I know that most as little kids have chanted that sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me. The reality is at times words become the most powerful tool that can be used for either good or evil.

So, it’s time to stop fixating on the gold and think more about being intentional about how you treat the stranger or workplace person that irritates you.