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200 words, Burning bush, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, doing the right thing, God, grace, integrity, journey, judging, life, mission, sacred ground, spiritual, vision, Who I am
Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others. ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.
One of the most life-changing letters I ever received was sent to me from a missionary in Guatemala when I was in my early twenties.
I was new in my faith and struggling with questions of judgment and grace and had written to him about it.
His reply to me referenced the Biblical Burning Bush story found in Exodus.
He told me my journey was my own. That I shouldn’t worry about other people and what they did on their journey. That God would reveal to me when I was standing on sacred ground and when it was time to remove my sandals from my feet.
Why is it that when we discover a truth about our own journey, we feel a need to impose it on everyone else? How does our way of doing something suddenly become the right way for everyone else to do it?
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
What would happen if instead of judging and correcting others, we sought solely to be the best version of ourselves?
talktodiana 
Diana I love this post. We can tread gently through our life, not judging others and trust in our own path too. Why do people feel the need to push their own beliefs on us? I am happy to keep my thoughts to myself and I am also happy to embrace someone who is different and has different beliefs etc. Thats why the world is so amazing, we are all one and yet we each have a choice in who we wish to be as an individual.
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Well said Kath! ❤
Diana xo
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This is very good Diana. I need to take note of this lesson for myself.
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Me too, over and over. I mostly preach to myself here. 🙂
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“What would happen if instead of judging and correcting others, we sought solely to be the best version of ourselves?” I struggle with this sometimes and especially when I see loved ones struggling in one way or another. I want the best for them and realize that sometimes they just cannot do what is needed to get to a better place. It is hard to let go of that and just let them be.
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Yes it can be hard Elizabeth. You have to be true to who you are as well though. So if that means you try to convince someone to do something, that’s what you need to do. I try to do it only once and then let it go – not always successful but I know that personally I appreciate people giving me the space and time I need to navigate through my life. ❤
Diana xo
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I know what you mean. It is like this little voice inside that tells me I have to at least one try to help someone, and then leave it up to them to take up the fight (or not) of their own accord. Good advice 🙂
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“Why is it that when we discover a truth about our own journey, we feel a need to impose it on everyone else?”
I’ve wondered about that myself (and been guilty of it myself). I think it comes from (at least) two places, one of which is nobly intended.
The noble one is connected with the feeling we might get if we saw someone about to accidentally step off a high ledge or otherwise inadvertently endanger themselves. We see their peril and want to help them avoid it. That sense can be triggered with a way of life… if we think we’ve found a way of life that is superior, we can think others are “endangered” by following it.
There are times in life when there is no best way, there is just “a way” or “the way you pick” but other times there may indeed be a best way. Sometimes it’s hard to separate those two.
The less noble place is along the lines of “strength in numbers.” I’ve noticed that addicts — and even devote fans of something or someone — frequently want you to join them in their pursuit. And will sometimes be aggressive or offensive if you don’t. By getting others to agree with us, or go along with us, we validate our own choice.
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Thanks for your thoughtful response Smitty! ❤
Diana xo
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You raise good questions, Diana … questions that are good to be mindful of, day in and day out, lest we fall into those traps. Thank you! Jim
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Thanks Jim! ❤
Diana xo
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Yes, Diana, judge only our own daily deeds. I’m with you. ❤
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Amen, sister! 🙂 I always feel that when people try to impose their views on others and judge them for being “wrong”, all they succeed in doing will be to alienate that person from ever wanting to believe or act as they do.
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Thanks for sharing this perspective Rachel. In other words, it can break instead of make relationships and that’s just a shame. ❤
Diana xo
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Yep. 🙂
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Good reminder for humbleness and listening.
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yes for me as well Jean. ❤
Diana xo
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Diana I LOVE this quote . Using our energy for self improvement rather than using it to beat someone else down seems so simple. Thanks for this beautiful reminder.
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So glad you liked it Sue – thanks for stopping by and weighing in! ❤
Diana xo
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Interesting post… one that will undoubtedly garnish many answers… but as no man is perfect.. and never will be…. the remove the log from your eye before commenting on the splinter in someone else’s ….. comes into play… yes thrre is many a misunderstanding by newfinders of religion that now think they are the experts and must share their new found faith…. yes we are told to go out and spread the word …. but again this is oft misunderstood. .. I prefer not to discuss my religion or politics. … that way I end up in far less fights
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Thanks bulldog! I think concentrating on improving one’s self goes beyond religion as well, don’t you? I can’t imagine anyone wanting to fight with you anyway. 🙂
Diana xo
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I do agree… look to improve no 1 … yourself…. and others might follow your example…. iis that not how it should be?
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I try my best to not judge people, that doesn’t mean I don’t think some people ate a bowl of stupid for breakfast and washed it down with a glass bitch because I often think that I just try not to judge them for being a bitchy blank of wood
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LOL Jo-anne, I just spit my tea onto my keyboard! ❤
Diana xo
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Great post Diana 🙂 Being the best version of ourselves is after all, all that we have real control over.
xo
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That it is Val. Thanks for weighing in! ❤
Diana xo
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“Let ye who is without sin ~”. He was a smart fellow, if only people would listen instead of try to misuse.
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There sure is Graham! ❤
Diana xo
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Great post Diana, the quote and your words are very true and at times challenging to live. Thankyou for the reminder to walk gently on this sacred ground! Have a wonderful day 🙂
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Thank you Karen! So often I am blessed through posts. I’m so glad you got something out of this one. ❤
Diana xo
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This is how I want to exist. And it’s a process to be…this. I’m trying. And I love coming across encouragement and reinforcement to continue this journey. 🙂
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Enjoy the ride Colleen! It’s a process for all of us, no? ❤
Diana xo
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It absolutely is Diana. Thank you! ❤
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Awareness is the first step to enlightenment and from there, to living from our own sacred ground — which by its very nature means letting others live theirs without judging, condemning or trying to change where they stand.
I love how you shine such a beautiful light on your truth, Diana, and allow others room to find theirs. Such a beautiful gift.
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Thank you Louise – means a ton coming from you! ❤
Diana xo
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Q: What would happen if instead of judging and correcting others, we sought solely to be the best version of ourselves?
A: We would be like you, Diana!
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A lot to live up to, but I try Ann – thank you! ❤
Diana xo
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Beautifully said Diana
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Thanks Bill. ❤
Diana xo
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see you in March – taking a word-press break but I’ll be back 🙂
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You took a break last February too, didn’t you Bill? I will miss you and look forward to seeing you here again next month. ❤
blessings,
Diana xo
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Diana I have always loved the power in the way you use 200 woes but I’m not sure that has ever been more evident than toda’s post. Since I recognize that as my own truth I won’t impose I on others!!:-)
I will also be watching myself for the next while as I sense I’m at risk of being one of those guys right now. My journey right now is all about learning and I worry that sharing my learnings with others may land as you describe.
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Thank you for your generous and kind comment Ian. I can’t imagine for a moment your sharings to feel like something that is being imposed on someone.
I also think there’s a huge difference between what you are learning and teaching as a coach and criticizing others/judging them for not agreeing with, or living yours or my values.
The first builds others up, the latter tears them down. Make sense?
Diana xo
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Wonderful quote, Diana. I often feel as if I’m a work in progress. 🙂
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And a beautiful WIP you are Jennifer! ❤
Diana xo
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Aww! 😊😍💖❤️
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