Michelle Mintz

I know something good about you

February 3rd, 2009

I’d like to share a poem I recently discovered that’s made an impact on my life: ”I Know Something Good About You.” Wouldn’t this old world be better, If the folks we meet would say,“I know something good about you!”And then treat us just that way? Wouldn’t it be fine and dandy, If each kiss was tender and true, And carried with it this message,“I know something good about you!” Wouldn’t life be lots more happy, If the good that’s in us all, Was the only thing about us That people bothered to recall? 

Wouldn’t it be nice to practice That fine way of thinking too?You know something good about me And I know something good about you Author Unknown I was working with a client last week who wasreally struggling with a breathing issue. We physically worked with her diaphragm and lungs. But the core issue that was creating this challenge turned out to be a moment in her life from back in 4th grade.  In a nutshell, it was about changing schools and feeling judged by the other girls at her new school.  

What the client discovered with a little bit of honesty and looking inward was that she was actually the one judging the other girls as a way to protect herself from how she was feeling inside; from her perceived rejection. And this pattern had carried on into adulthood. So as she became aware of the issue her tissues opened up and unwound and she also opened up to a new way of looking at the situation, she decided she was going to create a new way of being with people. This reminded me of the message in the poem.  “You know something good about me and I know something good about you.” She chose something like this as her new motto- to find the good in all people.    What do you think it will be like now when she connects with people from this place? From a place of openness and curiosity? Let’s face it. We all do it. We all judge others. But next time you catch yourself doing it, I invite you to say the mantra, “I know something good about you.” And watch how the interaction changes.

Entry Filed under: mental health