More July Musings

Hello Dear Truistas!

I truly hope all is well with you this month of July. There’s a lot going on still and while this is not the most pressing issue of the times; it is however a dangerous one, GOSSIP. As you know love and freedom are my favorite words; GOSSIP is my least favorite word! I’ll even go so far as to say, I hate GOSSIP! Just recently I heard two pieces of GOSSIP concerning me and I’ll admit, I was triggered. It wasn’t even anything big, just stupid misinformation. So why did I get triggered? What’s behind my loathing of this human proclivity?

Obviously this isn’t the first time I’ve heard GOSSIP about myself. My children have been targets, my husband, my friends and even my beloved house! GOSSIP is defined as, a casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. By definition GOSSIP is unconfirmed information. In my experience GOSSIP is never even remotely accurate, at best a half truth. So why does it bother me? I know the truth! Who cares what others say or think? I discovered I had a need to find out and then let it go forever. I never ever want to be triggered by GOSSIP again.

I dug down deep and found that the reason I was so upset is because mostly, I felt violated; someone came into my life completely uninvited and made up lies. And that leads to feeling helpless; “wait it’s not true I want to yell”. I felt powerless! After talking with my children and a best friend about why people GOSSIP and the human nature aspect of it I was able to start letting the trigger go. I did not excuse the behavior but at least I could understand it and I could choose to forgive. I think another reason I despise GOSSIP is because I know the power of words. Words create worlds and if someone is using them to spread ill or misinformation that can be harmful. I also happen to believe it’s a huge waste of time and a total bore. I’ve been in so many situations where the GOSSIP was flowing and I knew first hand that the info was false. It’s so frustrating!

So what’s my solution? I stay away from the known GOSSIPS and if occasionally I fall into a situation where some GOSSIP is rearing it’s ugly head, I try to steer the conversation elsewhere. Of course I have to be mindful. It can be easy to get ensnarled. The remembrance of the harm that GOSSIP inflicts makes it easier for me to stay away from it. This quote gave me perspective and was VERY instrumental in my releasing the yoke of GOSSIP.

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people

-Eleanor Roosevelt

May we all move closer to the TRUTH. And you will know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH will set you free. John 8:32

With love & kindness,

Ailsa

Comments (1)

Cathy Kruse
July 30, 2020 Reply

Beautiful thoughts Ailsa, as always. I share your distaste for gossip and still find myself, on occasion, participating so as not to seem contrary or rude to someone saying something gossipy. For me, it’s a trap I’m hoping to get better at avoiding! Thanks for the inspiration! ? Xo

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