Stop!

Stop! ". . .in the name of love." Stop! "Don't stop thinking about tomorrow." Stop! "You got to stop and get a ticket."

Stop smoking. Stop talking. Stop chewing gum. Stop yelling. Stop drinking. Stop rationalizing. Stop crying. Stop swearing. Stop whining. Stop eating. Stop smothering me. Stop calling. Stop IT! Stop and put your pencils down.

The power of the word "stop" can be life changing. The command, coming from a parent, teacher, boss or loved one can be devastating. Stop being who you are and BE what I want you to be. The word is the only perceived control we may have over the people in our lives and our situations. The word does not always work to "stop" the behavior, but often increases the desire to persist in the behavior. Why is that?

Don't tell me what to do! You don't know why I do that! You don't understand! You don't know what I'm trying to do! Is there any other word that creates so much negativity? Such adversity? Such an impact on self-esteem?

Don't you think we should just STOP the madness? Let's START tolerance, communication and understanding.