While the idea to relentlessly callus your mind has benefits as I described in my last post, people must be careful to not callus their heart in the process. Understandably, people in society are more-so advised to be tough than soft. Achieving goals requires discipline and commitment, which often don’t feel good in the present moment. True toughness is adaptable and controlled however. Though achieving goals primarily requires toughness, every day communication often requires a humble understanding towards perhaps wounded ideas or people. As MLK Jr.’s famous quote goes, love drives out hate – not hate itself. In this current time of social media and contrasting/extreme viewpoints and people finally being heard, one must remember to approach these discussions with an open-minded attitude and tender heart. And really someone should approach any discussion/interaction the exact same way because you really don’t know who you’re talking to. It is interesting that every person appreciates softness from others, but at the same time many are battling with guilt over expressing feelings/softness within themselves. People must realize that toughness does not contrast softness, but instead is necessary for it. You can’t be afraid to be soft sometimes, and notice that wounded people in your life perhaps crave it from you. So toughen up and soften your heart.
Lily Fairchilde – “Deep down even the most hardened criminal is starving for the same thing that motivates the innocent baby: Love and Acceptance.”
Jim Brown (21:43) – “Every human being wants to be loved. I was in Folsom and there was about 300 inmates and I had a little trick I played on them. And I said, ‘I’ve got something I’m gonna’ say to all of you and nobody’s gonna’ disagree. And if you disagree with what I say, raise your hand.’ Now you know that’s a bold thing to say in a prison … I said, ‘If there’s anybody in this room that don’t want to be loved or cared for by somebody you raise your hand.’ And nobody wanted to lie. So no hands went up because deep down inside we want to be loved or cared for by somebody. That is a human characteristic. And it is a powerful characteristic. Because if I go for 15 years and I have 3/400 gang members in my home and noone’s ever attacked me or robbed me or even disrespected me, what do you think that is? … The cry in the jungle, the cry in the wilderness – it’s when a man cries out, ‘Nobody cares about me. So what the hell, I’ll do anything. Nobody gives a stuffing about me.’ …”
– DM Inspired