I've been there

When someone is sharing something meaningful to them, how often have you replied "I've been there, done that". Do you say that as a way to assure that someone or do you say that to be in competition with that someone?

Now imagine you are the person hearing those words "I've been there, done that" from someone.  Do you feel encouraged or discouraged when you hear those words?

If you've "been there", it is right to appreciate someone else's journey for getting "there" too. We are not here to one up each other with a happier or sadder accounting of our experiences. We are here to support each other on our unique journey's to finding our soul. No two journey's are meant to be the same.

Your journey should only matter to you. It's important to understand that. Sharing it with others should always be done as a means to gain wisdom and nothing else. By this I mean, if you can't say something wise when someone is sharing, don't say anything at all. And be honest that you have nothing wise to share. This allows us to find the right someone to move us forward on our journey.

Remember: While you are on your journey - you are never ahead and you are never behind - you are exactly where you are supposed to be. There will be those who are wiser than you - don't be jealous of them. There will be those who are not as wise as you - teach them your wisdom, not your opinion.

Most importantly, be patient with one another. No one gets it right on the first try. Life isn't a race, its a marathon. Pace yourself. Be a stellar example of endurance. Just be. <3