As a child, the golden rule was ingrained into every fiber of my being. Though I do remember sometimes feeling annoyed at hearing it all the time, especially in the times when I really needed to be told it, I am forever grateful for this rule (thanks, Mom!)
I am sure most of us know the golden rule I am talking about:
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
These little sayings we hear as children will generally become the innate rules that we live by as adults. The golden rule really taught me to have empathy and to understand that if I wouldn’t necessarily like something, then why would I want to do it to others.
What this value really means is that during negative experiences, this rule is asking you to behave and respond with your better nature and not knee jerk react with more negativity.
This is an important value for us all to have; Responding instead of reacting.
I did hear another important saying to consider..... it is called the Platinum Rule.
Do unto others as they would have done unto themselves.
This got me thinking. What you may need is not what someone else may need while experiencing anger, hurt, or frustration. This rule is about honoring someone else's needs and not assuming you know what they need. There is another word for this: RESPECT.
For example: If you are angry or hurt about a situation in your life, would you want your loved one to ask you what you need to get through this, or would you want them to try to fix it the way they would fix it in their own life?
While we're teaching morals and values, we are instilling the importance of 'being your best self' to our children. I encourage you to think of other sayings that maybe you have forgotten about, but you feel are important life lessons for the next generation.
