Are you right and am I wrong? Or better yet am I right and you are
wrong. Often when I get in a tug of war
over who is right or wrong, we both end up losing. I become territorial and protective of my ‘emotional
and intellectual turf’ and usually find myself saying and doing things that are
disrespectful of yours. You become the
bad guy and I find reasons to defend my thoughts and actions. Soon there is a huge gulf between us and before
I know it I lose perspective and balance.
Today I choose to find the middle ground. I recognize that having difference of opinion
can broaden and expand my being and doesn’t have to tear us apart. I will look for commonalities and recognize
that we are more alike than different. I
will strive for understanding, cohesion, and unity. When confronted about my beliefs, I will
challenge myself to listen before I speak and open my mind to the possibility
of influence. I will make sure you know
that I have understood and heard you and validate your right to think and
believe whatever you choose to believe.
Then I will request your respect as I voice my opinion and I will
communicate my response assertively. I
will acknowledge our shared values rather than spreading seeds of discord. I affirm that we can still be connected even though we are very different. Hard as this may be, this is my intention for
this day.
No comments:
Post a Comment