Live your life for you, not for anyone else. Don’t let the fear of being judged, rejected or disliked stop you from being yourself. – Sonya Parker
“I’d like to give thanks for this meal,” I announced at the dinner table. In my second grade class, I had just learned the importance of being grateful and thought my parents would be proud of me.
I bowed my head and closed my eyes. Then, I heard chuckles. When I opened my eyes, I saw Mom and Dad giving me the same look they reserved for a puppy.
“You’re so cute,” they said.
My seven-year-old self became angry. I didn’t intend to be “cute.” This was serious business!
All I wanted was to be taken seriously; to make a contribution. As years passed, I realized I wasn’t the only one feeling this way.
All of us want to feel that we’re making a difference in the world, or at least in someone’s life, and yet, we forget that everyone around us also feels this way.
As a busy parent, do you immediately tune out when your young child is explaining his or her ideas?
Do you start thinking about your to-do list when your grandmother or grandfather tells a story because you assume you know the ending or guess that what they have to say is boring?
Do you write emails during work meetings because whoever is speaking probably has nothing significant to say?
Do you check someone’s credentials or popularity before giving them your attention because people who’ve accomplished less than you are simply not worth the time?
If you answered yes to one or more questions, I encourage you to contemplate the following:
1. Becoming Fully Engaged When You Interact With Others
Becoming Fully Engaged When You Interact With Other People Can Dramatically Improve Their Lives and Your Life as Well.
When people feel you care and that they’re making a difference, they’ll be encouraged to learn more and to take on more significant challenges.
You will inspire people, which will make you feel as though you, too, are making a difference. In turn, you’ll be compelled to become a better person. When you’re engaged and present, you jumpstart a growing cycle of goodness.
2. Honoring the Thoughts and Opinions of Everyone
Honoring the Thoughts and Opinions of Everyone Around You is to Honor Yourself
When you seriously consider what others have to say, you behave in ways aligned with your giving essence. What is the result of basing your actions on your true values? You feel good and can attain authentic fulfillment and happiness.
3. Creating deep and long-lasting human connections is possible only when…
Creating deep and long-lasting human connections is possible only when you make the conscious decision to listen to what others have to say.
Relationships deteriorate when someone feels he or she is taken for granted. When a person feels appreciated, the opposite happens. The person is drawn to open up to you, help you, and remain in your life.
4. Self-love is The First Step to Extend Respect and Compassion Toward Others
To take others seriously, you must first take yourself seriously. Become confident in your own skills and abilities. You’re not too “slow,” too “old” or any other negative qualifier you might have subconsciously adopted. You can make a difference in the lives of others starting now.
5. All Human Beings Have Access to the Same Fountain of Human Consciousness
This means that anyone has the potential to help you grow spiritually and personally, including young children, the elderly, and people whose advice you might have shunned because of their lack of formal education.
Anyone around you could teach you something. As Socrates said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
Make someone’s day today by offering your undivided attention. You’ll positively change the person’s life and yours as well.
