The power of Harshness

Much too often we cringe from criticizing our close and loved ones- our family, close friends, partners, children etc. More so when they are going through tough situations in life or are in the dumps. Let us not rock the boat further - we think. Let us wait for an opportune moment when things are looking kosher, and then we will point out the shortcomings. So, we believe, but the moment never arrives. Situations change, times change, and our motivation to reveal also dips. The truth is that we feel uncomfortable telling something harsh to our loved ones, lest they take it wrongly or go deeper into the abyss or move farther away from us.

The actuality cannot be farther than we imagine. Hardships come in one's life because we do not accept reality. The farther we meander from our truth, the more torturous the situations become. Adversity is a wake-up call; it is there to tell us that we need to reinvent, rediscover or just reset our path. And many times, a gentle prod many not achieve this result. One needs a deep shock, or a massive pushback to motivate people to change.

By holding back our words, we are doing a great disservice to our loved ones. Our fear of pushbacks, expressions of anger from others or moving farther away from us because they are afraid of facing themselves prevent us from speaking the truth. It is our discomfort and our patterns that are dissuading us from doing what is right. True love requires us to go above our fears, our expectations. If we love somebody, we do so because we genuinely want to see them grow. If the cost of the growth is the relationship, so be it. In reality, such a bond though may shudder in the short term, will end up becoming more durable and more robust in the medium term or the long run.

Truth and love are the most potent medicines. When we exercise them in tough situations, they magnify in potency. So, remember the expression of love does not always imply softness, gentleness or feeling cloy. Many times, anger, harshness are also equally powerful manifestations of love.

Do we have the guts to stand for our love? Are we open to being righteous even at the cost of losing our loved ones? Are we patient to wait long enough for people to realize the real intent behind your actions? The universe weaves slow magic when your choices emanate from the truth. Even though one may not be able to visualize today, we will feel the impact at manifold levels in the future. Belief in love and truth requires us to go beyond