Sometimes we go about our lives with the expectation that everything must be a certain way, that other people should share our views (because they are the right ones!), or simply fall into the trap of feeling as everyone should see our perspective. Unless you have some fairy dust and a magic wand, chances are good life is not going to go exactly like that.
Strong people have strong - and different - opinions, and that is OKAY. It's good to have alternative input and thoughts and feedback - but also to practice grace and courtesy even when things do not go exactly the way we might have planned or assumed in our wishful thinking. 😕 What happens if situations don't go your way, when equally-minded folks share conflicting input, or heck, even disagree on Facebook? It's simple; if we keep respect for one another at the forefront of everyday interactions, strive for honest communication, and practice letting go of our own egos, then the sky is the limit! Here are a few basic steps to ponder...
• Practice pulling back from the conversation once in a while (the more you try this, the easier it will get, I promise).
• Pause and take a deep breath. Good. Then another one.
• Now....listen to someone else speak, and just HEAR what they are saying, because it's not always necessary to jump back in with a reply!
• Let a discussion go it's own way, while giving others the space to talk, without waiting anxiously for a break (if you're always just looking for the chance to resume speaking, you may not be processing what they said).
IF we are able to become quiet, just listen calmly, and hear ideas being exchanged, it's very possible we will begin noticing the contributions of others.
But what happens after you've sat back and listened, and then still don't like the outcome, or disagree with what is being suggested?
* NEWS FLASH *
It's perfectly OK to have different opinions. Stand by yours firmly but politely, and if you feel like chiming in on social media, be prepared to either walk away or defend your viewpoint. However, the wise folks know it's possible to contribute perspective and not read through all the comments (which, on a hot topic, can turn into all-out warfare in seconds). State your case, then move on. Bashing of other viewpoints is unnecessary, negative, and really accomplishes nothing.
Far too often we fall into the trap of wanting things to be just one way (usually "our way"), because we wholeheartedly believe we are the ones that know more, or are extra-qualified to make a decision. And that's FINE to have strong feelings one way or another....as long as they don't get in the way of an open mind, valuing and respecting the input of others, because the rest of the people need to be heard and listened to as well.
Try it.
But what happens after you've sat back and listened, and then still don't like the outcome, or disagree with what is being suggested?
* NEWS FLASH *
It's perfectly OK to have different opinions. Stand by yours firmly but politely, and if you feel like chiming in on social media, be prepared to either walk away or defend your viewpoint. However, the wise folks know it's possible to contribute perspective and not read through all the comments (which, on a hot topic, can turn into all-out warfare in seconds). State your case, then move on. Bashing of other viewpoints is unnecessary, negative, and really accomplishes nothing.
Far too often we fall into the trap of wanting things to be just one way (usually "our way"), because we wholeheartedly believe we are the ones that know more, or are extra-qualified to make a decision. And that's FINE to have strong feelings one way or another....as long as they don't get in the way of an open mind, valuing and respecting the input of others, because the rest of the people need to be heard and listened to as well.
Try it.
Try letting go of yourself and your ideas once in a while.
Allow others to be heard and valued.
Lower your voice and speak less, and see what kind of reactions you observe.
Allow others to be heard and valued.
Lower your voice and speak less, and see what kind of reactions you observe.
It is OKAY and 100% acceptable to disagree, hold different values, and have strong beliefs. It is NOT okay to bash others, constantly criticize, put down, or demean people we don't see eye to eye with. At the end of the day, what matters is that we stay gracious and respectfully exchange opinions with one another.
community first • marketing consultant • advocate for small business • lover
of classic cars • beach girl • believer that "together we accomplish more"
