“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”
~ Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor

If only I read this quote every day! Marcus Aurelius, your words have changed my life, but I occasionally need a healthy reminder. Have you ever done what Aurelius suggests? It’s rather powerful and incredibly humbling all at once.

Recently, my daughter shared with us her 2023 version of this first century wisdom. When she notices us finding fault with someone, she abruptly stops us all in our tracks by asking, “OK, every say one thing you hate about (______),” whomever we were discussing. It’s a real wake up call because we all immediately realize (A) we are fully engaged in the act of gossiping which we don’t want to be and (B) we certainly don’t hate them. What generally happens next is we begin to recant what we just said.

I really don’t like talking about others unless it’s a compliment—but I, like you, haven’t been able to avoid it entirely. We are hard-wired to gossip, but it used to be in a way that helped us communicate and survive within the tribe; it was helpful. I hope you find Aurelius’ wisdom helpful along with my daughter’s question—both will evoke a little bit of shame, but I believe it’s worth it if it stops us from gossiping.

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!

Beth