Accept and Excel
As I child I would often find myself frustrated with the actions of others. My father raised me to do things a certain way - his way - and I suspected that the rest of the world operated under the same premise.
When I reached early adulthood and began to clash with co-workers or management, I realized something was terribly wrong with the WHOLE WORLD!!!! Why in heavens name didn't they see things the way I did? It wasn't that I thought the whole world revolved around me but I figured they'd be much better off once they realized I was right and they were wrong. My life would certainly have been much easier.
A wise man recognized my blind spot and informed me that if we were expected to all think alike, the God would have one given us one big brain.
Our world is a blend of cultures and experiences. Our community, household size and so many other factors make us who we are, unique from any other individual in the world. So with all those differences, how do we establish relationships and move successfully across such a varied landscape?
Tolerance
is defined as "interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, foreign to one's own." It is one of many tools we can use to build lasting friendships and improve our interpersonal skills. When we force our expectations on others, we show that we do not value their perspective and we may make them uncomfortable in our presence. An opinion that differs from our own is not necessarily wrong; we restrict our growth when we operate only from our limited knowledge base.
The ability to accept people as they are is not only important for them, but it is crucial for us as well. When we learn to accept and even love others just as they are, we increase the opportunity to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. People find us much more approachable and often are willing to share ideas that complement our own.
Be encouraged to embrace the value of differences. Through tolerance, we find a greater level of happiness and health, we become better negotiators and reduce the stress that accompanies quarrels over different outlooks.
When I reached early adulthood and began to clash with co-workers or management, I realized something was terribly wrong with the WHOLE WORLD!!!! Why in heavens name didn't they see things the way I did? It wasn't that I thought the whole world revolved around me but I figured they'd be much better off once they realized I was right and they were wrong. My life would certainly have been much easier.
A wise man recognized my blind spot and informed me that if we were expected to all think alike, the God would have one given us one big brain.
Today's Inspiration
Vast are the opportunities of those who value differences
Our world is a blend of cultures and experiences. Our community, household size and so many other factors make us who we are, unique from any other individual in the world. So with all those differences, how do we establish relationships and move successfully across such a varied landscape?
Tolerance
is defined as "interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, foreign to one's own." It is one of many tools we can use to build lasting friendships and improve our interpersonal skills. When we force our expectations on others, we show that we do not value their perspective and we may make them uncomfortable in our presence. An opinion that differs from our own is not necessarily wrong; we restrict our growth when we operate only from our limited knowledge base.The ability to accept people as they are is not only important for them, but it is crucial for us as well. When we learn to accept and even love others just as they are, we increase the opportunity to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. People find us much more approachable and often are willing to share ideas that complement our own.
Be encouraged to embrace the value of differences. Through tolerance, we find a greater level of happiness and health, we become better negotiators and reduce the stress that accompanies quarrels over different outlooks.
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