I recently saw this post on Facebook with a pretty picture of Meryl Streep and this quote of hers. She is receiving high praise for this. With further investigation I found this posting:
So, it looks like she didn't actually say those words. But they are "words she lives by." Regardless of who actually said or wrote it...I'd just like to say that I disagree. These are most definitely not words that I want to live by. Let me break it down for you.
“I no longer have patience for certain things, not because I’ve become arrogant, but simply because I reached a point in my life where I do not want to waste more time with what displeases me or hurts me. I have no patience for cynicism, excessive criticism and demands of any nature."
I am not fond of the idea of not having patience in general. I can understand not allowing certain things to affect me, but patience is absolutely necessary for all things. Without patience we can let our emotions take over us in a way that causes us to act out irrationally. The best way to respond to things that displease us such as cynicism, excessive criticism and demands, is to so with grace.
"I lost the will to please those who do not like me, to love those who do not love me and to smile at those who do not want to smile at me."
I work hard on considering others feelings and I avoid making assumptions that people who are not smiling at me are frowning at me in spite of me. I have no idea what has gone on in their day. Their grandfather could have just died and perhaps they need me to smile at them. Instead of waiting to smile at someone until they smile at me first, I give my love and my smiles without hesitation and it is usually reciprocated. If it isn't reciprocated, I can respect that person and their need for their personal space. I've found that if I live my life with kindness in my heart then kindness will surround me.
"I no longer spend a single minute on those who lie or want to manipulate. I decided not to coexist anymore with pretense, hypocrisy, dishonesty and cheap praise."
This I understand, but I also still practice forgiveness and kindness in spite of others actions.
"I do not tolerate selective erudition nor academic arrogance."
I think that people who exude "academic arrogance" are perhaps dealing with something beyond my comprehension. Perhaps they don't realize their condescension. Maybe they feel inadequate in some way and have to use their assets (intelligence) as a defense mechanism. Whatever it is that portrays arrogance is their thing. Not mine. So instead of not tolerating them I may dig deeper and try to understand where they are coming from. The most important thing is to honor myself and my feeling alongside theirs. If I am no longer feeling safe and at peace with this person, I might politely excuse myself from a conversation.
"I do not adjust either to popular gossiping. I hate conflict and comparisons. I believe in a world of opposites and that’s why I avoid people with rigid and inflexible personalities. In friendship I dislike the lack of loyalty and betrayal."
This is difficult, because I don't like gossip either. But I am not too righteous to admit that I sometimes partake in this unflattering behavior. I strive not to, and when others come to me with gossip, I try not to add to it. Just the other day a girlfriend of mine was gossiping to me, and I sat there with her and simply nodded. I would simply listen. Eventually she stopped and said "You never say anything! Don't you agree with me? I mean, are you on my side?"... I explained to her that my participating in the conversation did not add anything positive to my day. I was happy to listen to her frustrations but that I felt like engaging in it was more harmful to me than not. She understood, and then she stopped the gossiping.
"I do not get along with those who do not know how to give a compliment or a word of encouragement."
I try to get along with everyone. I'm not always successful, because if someone is mean to me despite my kindness, I see that as an absolute necessity to remove myself from the relationship, but again I try to do so with grace. (With emphasis on the "try"... I'm not perfect, but these are the words I *try* to live by.)
"Exaggerations bore me and I have difficulty accepting those who do not like animals. And on top of everything I have no patience for anyone who does not deserve my patience.”
Everyone, I mean EVERYONE, deserves my patience. We are all God's children made in the image of Him. Regardless of who we are, where we come from, how we behave, or what we believe...we deserve kindness. We deserve patience.
Peace be with you. Those are words to live by.
