It's that time of the year again...
Has anyone else noticed that everything seems a little tense again... We just celebrated Halloween with the kids, and now we are back to reality. Guess that tension means that another round of elections must be getting close again.
As these elections approach, it is important for us all to remember to listen more and talk less. Or as I remember being told as a child "You were born with two ears and one mouth. Use them accordingly." Unfortunately, that does not seem to be how the world works anymore.
No matter where you turn, there has been a lot of talk recently about the upcoming elections. (Let this be your reminder to cast your vote on Tuesday) Over the past 2 weeks, I have spoken with patients, neighbors, friends, and relatives about the upcoming elections. Everyone seems to be entering these conversations with different viewpoints. Would you like to know what I have learned from these conversations?
A lot of people have A LOT of strong opinions as to what our county, state, and country all need to do on Tuesday to make the world a better place for future generations. The most fascinating part is that many of those opinions are very different from person to person. And that is perfectly fine. We are allowed to have differing opinions. As a matter of fact we should be encouraging them. The problem is that we tend not to be willing to listen to those with whom we may not agree. It is very easy to find your way into an echo chamber with people (and media) repeating the same talking points and never challenging your beliefs. You can never learn more and grow if you continue to consume the same material.
Challenge yourself and your beliefs.
In the majority of these conversations over the past couple of weeks I chose to listen more than talk. I chose to learn from other's view points. Using that information to either confirm my position, or make changes. It is not a sign of weakness to change your perspective, rather it is a sign of strength.
Don't be afraid to listen to a different perspective.
Don't be afraid of change.
Has anyone else noticed that everything seems a little tense again... We just celebrated Halloween with the kids, and now we are back to reality. Guess that tension means that another round of elections must be getting close again.
As these elections approach, it is important for us all to remember to listen more and talk less. Or as I remember being told as a child "You were born with two ears and one mouth. Use them accordingly." Unfortunately, that does not seem to be how the world works anymore.
No matter where you turn, there has been a lot of talk recently about the upcoming elections. (Let this be your reminder to cast your vote on Tuesday) Over the past 2 weeks, I have spoken with patients, neighbors, friends, and relatives about the upcoming elections. Everyone seems to be entering these conversations with different viewpoints. Would you like to know what I have learned from these conversations?
A lot of people have A LOT of strong opinions as to what our county, state, and country all need to do on Tuesday to make the world a better place for future generations. The most fascinating part is that many of those opinions are very different from person to person. And that is perfectly fine. We are allowed to have differing opinions. As a matter of fact we should be encouraging them. The problem is that we tend not to be willing to listen to those with whom we may not agree. It is very easy to find your way into an echo chamber with people (and media) repeating the same talking points and never challenging your beliefs. You can never learn more and grow if you continue to consume the same material.
Challenge yourself and your beliefs.
In the majority of these conversations over the past couple of weeks I chose to listen more than talk. I chose to learn from other's view points. Using that information to either confirm my position, or make changes. It is not a sign of weakness to change your perspective, rather it is a sign of strength.
Don't be afraid to listen to a different perspective.
Don't be afraid of change.
Movement is my medicine,
