This particular day Mouna was really stressed. She was going to
a tea ceremony with her extended family and there was a lot of
anxiety and hurt in her voice. She gave me the run down on the
family and her fondness of the matriarch. Then angrily described
her antagionists.
Like a man, I couldn't listen to this without trying to fix the
situation.
"Mouna," I reminded, "everyone is human - some people are just
annoying - but that is just the way they are". I reminded her that
she just had to get through the ceremony and that she did not have
to have a wonderful relationship with each and every member of the
family.
I suggested that if she was open to it, to say a little prayer
for her antagonists. See we can not change other people, we can
only forgive them when they step on our toes. And try our hardest
not to step on the toes of others.
And although my council was sound, I should have just listened.
Mouna, like everyone else, is entitled to her feelings and probably
just needed to be heard.
I am sorry that I didn't listen to you. I am sorry that I tried
to change you. And I want you to know that you are beautiful just
the way you are.
I sit and drink Pennyroyal Tea
Distill the life inside of me
I sit and drink Pennyroyal Tea
I'm anemic royalty
-- Nirvana