Imagine a world where everything is as we wish it to be, a world where everyone meets our standards, our idea of perfection, where people get our approval and do exactly what we want them to do.
Imagine
How stimulating, exciting and practical is that?
Well, the reality is, it can’t happen
The world will continue to be a melting pot, people are different and same in
their own ways, everyday can bring something new.
Some things to delight us, some to shock.
Some we approve of, some we don’t
We know this
Yet we continue to crib, complain, criticize that “they” don’t get it.
That they are being stubborn, difficult, stuck in time, living in an ivory tower
That they are immature, irresponsible, stupid, egoistic, selfish
That they should wake up and smell the coffee……
We spend our precious time and energies debating, arguing, persuading
We scream, threaten, drop names, display illusionary, non existent authority
We use every trick known to us to get them to agree to our way of thinking
And we fail
We fail time and again and we just don’t get it
We get frustrated, angry, upset
Pound our heads on imaginary stone walls
Build up stress, lots of unwanted, unhealthy stress
And then we complain about that too later.
Do you agree?
Does it happen to you?
So how do we come to terms with this and handle the fact that we can’t control or change everything. That we cannot get everyone to agree to our perspective of “right“ “wrong” “good” “bad“ “ok“. That others have a point of view which may not necessarily be similar or in agreement with ours and most importantly, that they are entitled to the same.
How can we accept it? What do you think will help?
Tolerance
( As this term is used broadly, for this blog the following Oxford dictionary meaning applies )
the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with:
Tolerance
Much needed but scarce these days, the magic wand for greater peace and cooperation. Higher levels of collaboration and teamwork, increased productivity and achievement. And not to forget, inner peace.
Tolerance
Less conflict, more support
Less hate, more appreciation
Less disputes, more agreements
Less arguments, more ideas
Less resistance, more creativity.
Tolerance
Live, let live, accept, learn and grow.
Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival. ~ Rene Dubos
Five questions worth reflecting over:
1. Can you be more tolerant?
2. Where can you be more tolerant?
3. How would you benefit?
4. How would others around you benefit?
5. What can you do today to be more tolerant?