APRIL 23, 2020
We all want to be understood. But if you really want to be understood, start with understanding WHO you are and WHO you are becoming. That way if you approach others in life, they will understand that you hopefully come in peace and not to destroy you. As we have mentioned before, we ALL are thinking of ourselves and how life impacts US. Not the other way around. Remember, you are NOT the center of the universe and it is up to you to understand that you are merely passing through this life as our ancestors have before us. Therefore, it is imperative that one finds out who they are and practices to understand others in getting along in this world. We will call those people RELATORS. They have the ability to make acquaintances and may have the ability to influence others. Hopefully in a good way and not an evil way.
The wisdom of human nature is that the ultimate quest in life should be for understanding. (Getting along and seeing other’s points of view) That takes love, courage, and an open mind and heart to understand (and feel) other people’s feelings. My parents taught me to appreciate and love myself in a healthy manner and then turn around and treat people with the same respect we all so desire in our lives. We call that the “Golden Rule.” Just because you want something NOW, doesn’t mean you have to walk over people to get it NOW. Try to understand that they may want the same thing but have a different approach to life than you. That is where understanding comes into play. If you understand a person’s motives in life, then just maybe you can help them achieve it. (think of raising your children)
What we all need to understand (besides ourselves) is this; We need to think about the important things in life. Things like God, life, death, love, meaning, happiness, the future, good, and evil. Those are the basics and often encompass everything we do each and every day of lives. (How is that working for you?) Do you visit with others about these issues? Most of us just are shallow in our conversations and are afraid to go too deep because it may just remind us of our own fears, guilt, regrets or failures. Something most of us avoid at ALL costs. “Never show any weakness” is our motto. How can anyone understand you if you are in a constant “Posing” stage that life is just fine? There will come a time in all of our lives that we will need to “come clean” about WHO we are and WHO we are becoming. Just don’t wait too long.
If you want to get into the mood of trying to get deeper in a relationship, maybe you could start by answering a few questions about YOUR life. Start discussing this with your spouse or someone that understands you. (Mentor) Those questions include;
- What are you thankful for in life?
- What are your priorities? (Attitude, Relationships, Faith, Career, etc.)
- What do you want and what do you REALLY need in life to live a prosperous life?
- What is in your control and what is not? (Normally, we worry too much about those things out of our control.)
- What is your calling or purpose in life?
- Who loves you and who do you love?
- What is your VISION for your future?
- When are you going to get started?
All of these are great questions to ask yourself. Write them down and share them with others. It just might be an opportunity to motivate you and help you learn more about UNDERSTANDING yourself. Then, listen to others in helping THEM understand themselves. It is a great opportunity to connect with others and leads to living a more fulfilled life.
I like the term, “Please Understand Me.” But our true goal should be to get out of worrying about ourselves and into understanding others and what THEY need in life. Once you do that, you will see the great need in SERVING others. Remember; whether it is a customer, an employee, a friend, or a stranger on the street, see things from THEIR point of view. It just might help you understand who YOU are.
Elevator Guy