I’m entitled to my opinion!

We all have opinions. Healthy and natural, we create them from our experiences and belief systems. We are each entitled to have an opinion about whatever we decide to add to our mental space.

Sharing opinions, however, is a little more complicated. If someone asks for your opinion, it may be appropriate to share. But run it through your filters first. Is it kind, and helpful? Does your opinion fit within your area of expertise and experience? What is your intention? If your opinion is a diagnosis or a directive, and you are not consulted as a paid professional, please don’t release your opinion.

An epidemic of opinions

An epidemic of opinions currently exists in the world. The internet and social media are great sources of information, but they are often traps. Even news broadcasts are branded with specific opinions. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, be diligent about digging deeper and don’t just accept the easy answer, which may mirror your own opinions. There are scientific studies, and recommendations, and product testimonials which are nothing more than marketing materials (aka opinions).

At a recent event, a woman I barely know began giving me advice about my family. As with most people who offer unsolicited advice, she elevated herself (her ego) and attempted to “fix” me. Initially, I tried redirecting her, but I eventually walked away. No, I ran away. And I never talk to this person again. Her opinions were unkind while cloaked in “helpfulness.”

The kindest word is the unkind word, unsaid.

I recently pondered the quote, “The kindest word in all the world is the unkind word, unsaid.” It’s easy to feel good when we are polite and avoid angry words and feel we embody kindness. But too often, the ego engages and we offer advice and opinions. This helps us feel important and we believe we have all the answers. And this, my friends, is unkind. The kindest words are also opinions left unsaid.

Let’s make this holiday season a season of kindness. And let’s extend it throughout the year by moderating our opinions and speaking only kind words with humility. Spiritual direction is a perfect place to examine the intent and source of your opinions. Experience more kindness at So It Flows.