Most everybody wants to be right.

I've never met someone who didn't enjoy being considered correct. It seems we want to know the truth and most of all share our "factual" point of view with others so as to gain credibility. The more people tend to agree with us, the better the chances that what we believe to be true actually is. If you've ever listened to parents argue, or a presidential debate, you probably are familiar with what I'm talking about. When a choice like this is presented to us, to listen or to put in our two cents, the immediate urge seems to overwhelmingly be in favor of a speak first, talk second, put our closing statement in; and pay-attention-never method. Have you ever heard of Stephen R. Covey? He said something that I'd like to share with you.

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” ~ Stephen R. Covey.

Undoubtedly the best example of someone listening to reply is ourselves, just think of any time you've had a disagreement and said something you didn't actually mean, and would take back if you could. For example, when I was much younger, there was an argument between my brother and I over where to sit at the dinner table, and I said I hated him over not getting my way. This is a pretty basic example of a strong word being used over a minuscule issue, because i was younger i got spanked and learned part of a valuable lesson.

Just when I want my words to be right most, is when I should look for the value in somebody else's opinion.

This holiday season I'm thankful for a lot of things, and being home from college for a week long break to visit with friends and family is right at the top. I'm also thankful for something we humans often take for granted: our ability to change with the information we take in. I think a majority of people don't realize how adaptable they are, and how that can make their lives much richer. We need to be okay with realizing there are people who have authority on subjects, and we should listen to them and make use of their wisdom. People can seem to think technology makes the knowledge that experience gives us, obsolete. I think we'd do good to go back to asking our parents and grandparents things instead of asking google. That's something I'd like to work on, getting more interaction with each other is important and I often overlook it.

I'm not saying never share your opinion or don't give your input to a situation, by all means, do. However, for goodness sake, PLEASE look for the common ground in any and every situation where you find yourself at odds with another person. We aren't toddlers anymore and we don't have to argue over each other in order to get our way to the top. Instead, let's help each other up to the top. Part of listening is receiving constructive criticism graciously, and giving it responsibly. Don't be offended if somebody gives you the advice you didn't think of first; this is the biggest reason I don't want to consider myself right. I feel that that stops my ability to learn new things and take in new information if I get content with what I know.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19.

I urge you to practice looking at the big picture and the important role we each play in creating a caring and humble environment here on Earth. Instead of blaming each other, find a solution outside of whose fault it is. Rather than being manipulative to get the results we want, get another person's perspective on the situation and work toward results together.

I don't want to be right anymore, I want to have the ability to rise above my own strong opinions and listen to someone else's for once. Find out how we agree and think the same, then build off of that together. I challenge you to do the same, for your own good and the good of society as a whole.

Here are some more quotes about working with one another instead of against each other, enjoy!