Everyone Is Trying Their Best

"What the HELL did you just say to me?"

Pause. Breathe. Check yourself.

😒Yes, the email was rude.

😒Yes, the tone was off.

😒Yes, they're being demanding.

😒Yes, you're SERIOUSLY annoyed.

But here's the thing: You have no idea what's happening in their life. No clue. Because they aren't just an entity on the side of the cloud.

They're a human. And MAN, being human is messy AF.

A very wise man (who I happen to love) turned to me a few years ago, when I was busy raging about some perceived slight, and uttered the most important five words I think I've ever heard...

They sound simple. They sounds like a platitude at first, like a nice idea. Their power only becomes clear when you sit with them for a while:

💭When you think back to every mistake you've ever made.

💭When you remember the guilt of letting someone down.

💭When you notice the regrets people carry around.

💭When you recall wishing things had ended differently.

💭When you step back, and remember you're only human.

These magic words don't change how I behave every day.

I'm MUCH less patient than I'd like. I'm prone to sarcastic eye rolls. I can be critical, and sharp, and cut off fond stories I've heard before.

I struggle with rejection and I'm a really bad loser. I avoid conflict more than I should and can spread myself too thin.

But you know what? I'm trying my best. And so are you.

And that's the point. Those are the words.

The words to remember when you get the rude email. The words to mutter when your partner irritates you. The words to repeat when your parents can't work the remote. The words that may not change how you behave every day, but may grant you peace, forgiveness and acceptance on the hardest.

"Everyone. Is. Trying. Their. Best."