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Viral Post Shows the Power of Responding to Hate with Kindness
Updated: Aug. 3, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 3, 2016
We all have our moments, don’t we? Whether we’re poking fun at our friends or sharing a laugh at someone else’s expense, it’s easy to slip into that negativity. But what if we flipped the script and chose to uplift instead of tear down?
Enter Jessica Lane, who found herself at a drugstore when she overheard employees snickering about her outfit. Instead of getting upset, she chose to respond with an unexpected wave of positivity that she later shared online.
“Hey there! I couldn’t help but overhear your comments about my outfit and my shorts. You were loud enough for most people to hear,” Lane wrote. “It seems like this isn’t the first time you’ve had a laugh at someone else’s expense. But guess what? My big cheesy smile probably threw you off your game!”
And just to clarify, Jessica looked fabulous! Yet, when it comes to unfounded judgment, looks don’t really matter. That’s the point! While it’s easy to call out the employees for their rude behavior, let’s be honest: many of us have chuckled at someone else’s expense at some point. Even the inside jokes we share with close friends can contribute to that negative energy we put out into the universe. Imagine if we all made an effort to use our words to create a little more kindness instead?
That’s exactly what Jessica did. She turned a potentially hurtful moment into a wave of positivity that resonated across social media, racking up over 55,000 shares. “Just so you know, your words didn’t hurt me. The looks you gave me didn’t either,” she continued. “If you happen to read this, please remember that not everyone has skin as thick as mine. Some people might be really affected by your words.”
With a positive twist, she added, “So in response to your comments, I send back some love! You both did a great job on your hair and makeup today—those winged liners are on point!”
The store, Superdrug, even chimed in to let her know they would use her post for employee training. Jessica, however, chose not to disclose her location or identify the employees, stating that her goal was to spread kindness rather than induce embarrassment.
It takes just as much energy to send out positivity as it does to spread negativity. The energy we emit is often the energy we receive, and Jessica Lane’s uplifting response is a perfect example of that. For more refreshingly positive takes on parenting and life, check out this post on home insemination and another great resource on in vitro fertilisation. Also, if you’re interested in self-insemination options, Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit is a fantastic choice.
In summary, responding to negativity with kindness can transform a hurtful experience into an opportunity for love and growth. Jessica’s story is a reminder that a little positivity can go a long way.