Whose voice do you listen to?

Sometimes when we're making a decision or a choice about something we like to seek input from other people. We may want to ask for advice or a recommendation. It might help us to decide what we want to do. Then there are times when people offer you their two cents worth without you even asking for it. Social media has been great for that these past few months. Don't bother reading comments on an Internet article, because people love to troll there. They like to hide behind their computer screens and play judge and jury to people they've never even met before. I expect to see the negative judgmental comments, so I am really not surprised anymore when I do. Sorry to say, but I find that incredibly sad and disappointing. 

There are so many things in our world today that we have little to no control over, but the one thing we can control and choose to make positive is our attitude and character. We can choose to be supportive and giving. We can choose to be a good listener. People don't always want you to give them the answer, sometimes they just want someone to listen. They want to know that their voice matters and can be heard. In a chaotic time like today where practically anything goes, why would you want to be part of the problem when you have the ability to be better?

I saw a photo online the other day on a Facebook page of a group of people gathered together and smiling. Some people responded back with, 'You look like you're having a great time' and 'You must be sisters, you all look so much alike.' Then there was the one (there's always at least one) who responded with a mask judgment, 'Where are your masks? Don't you care about anyone other than yourself?' What they didn't bother to ask or know was that they were a family (from the same household) who took their masks off at the table to take a picture. But when people look for a way to post negativity they usually don't take the time to know the whole story. Why bother? They clearly have their own agenda. They usually just want to stir the pot or add fuel to a non-existent fire.

When you need to make a choice whose voice do you listen to for advice? Hopefully not the ones that are unsolicited and mean-spirited. Listen to the voices of the people you trust or have something positive to contribute. In the end the only voice you really need to listen to is your own. Your voice matters and has a lot to share, especially when it's coming from a good place and worthy of others feeling blessed by it.

You've got this!

Have you ever felt attacked with someone's unsolicited words?