My husband, 
Last night he had been talking about opinions. He had just listened to something that had countered his own. I could hear in his voice how much he didn't want this opinion to effect him...but even for a moment while he processed what they had said, it did. He recovered quickly like he always does, but this got me thinking.
If my strong, confident husband can be effected, even for a short time, by someone's opinion then how much power do opinions hold?
It would be safe to say, they only have as much power as you let them, but the truth is that we often get hit with someone's words unexpectantly. Our guard is down, and then wham! Now we are left with deciding if what they say is important enough to listen to, and the aftermath of those emotions.
I probably don't even have to mention that the opinions that effect us the most are from close friends and family.
Although, try as we may to make it through unscathed, it's hard.
What I've taken from this.
I can't control others. I also often fail at not letting other's words effect me.
So really, I'm left with this realization. What kind of power do my opinions have with others.
We have a tendency to not realize that if someone can effect us, then we can effect others.
I don't want to be that guy anymore.
So, I've decided that what other's have going on in their life is none of my business. Even if I don't agree. Even if it's hard to look away.
My opinion is useless if they don't want to hear it.
But what if someone really needs insight into a situation or could use new perspective?
Is there a way to positively influence other's without sharing opinions?
I believe there's a way. When we give our two cents, we are only focused on ourselves. It's all about us and our thoughts. But if we turn that around and look at what the other person need, we would realize it's love!
If I come across a person struggling, my words mean nothing if I don't show love.
All anybody ever wants is to be loved and accepted, and often times our own views and opinions get in the way.
So, if I really want to impact someone in my life...I'll leave my opinion at the door and just bring love.
Maybe my words will be important later. But I bet, once I invest into someone's life I will find my first thoughts were incomplete. That I didn't have the whole picture. And remembering that my life isn't all about me will be the greatest gift I can give anyone.
