Mirror the Golden Rule.

Today’s Marketing Cookie is a twist on a timeless principle, inviting us to reflect on the impact of self-kindness.

My mother used to remind me of the golden rule, telling me to treat others in the same way I want to be treated. It was a simple idea. It's one of those lessons that keeps proving its worth, whether you're learning to share your toys as a kid or navigating office politics as an adult. It’s all about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. It makes you think twice about your words and actions, knowing you’d want the same kindness and respect in return.

Today’s fortune is asking us to hold the golden rule up to a mirror and apply it in reverse. It is suggesting we treat ourselves as well as try to treat others. It's a reminder that while it’s vital to be kind and considerate toward the people around us, it’s equally important to extend that same compassion and respect to ourselves. Often, we are our own toughest critics, forgetting to offer ourselves the grace and patience we readily give to others. 

There’s a catch-22 at play here… 

Before I continue with my thought, I have to chuckle at  myself for a second. My wife bought me a book for father’s day on year that provides the origin of common sayings. One of them is this phrase "Catch-22", which we use to describe paradoxical situations. I just used it and you knew exactly what it means. But the number doesn’t really mean anything. The term "Catch-22", is the title of a military novel written by Joseph Heller. He originally titled his book “Catch-18” but the publisher wanted to avoid confusion with another novel called, "Mila 18", so he changed the number to 22. If he hadn’t done that, we’d all be saying, “this is a catch-18 situation.”

Okay. So, there’s a catch-22 (or 18) at play here. When you're harsh to yourself, it becomes much harder to be kind and empathetic towards others. The way we treat ourselves sets the tone for our interactions. If we don't value our own well-being, we struggle to genuinely care for the well-being of others. It’s like trying to fill cups from an empty pitcher. You can’t offer much to others if you’re running on empty yourself.

Practicing the golden rule in reverse isn't just about self-care. It's a vital step toward enhancing how we treat others. By prioritizing our own well-being and treating ourselves with the same kindness and respect we strive to offer others, we ensure we're more capable and genuine in our interactions. This approach not only improves our own lives but also sets a powerful example, fostering a cycle of positive behavior and mutual respect just as today’s fortune promises, “Honor yourself, and others will honor you, too.”