It all starts when we are young—how we grow up, the environment we live in, the parenting styles we are exposed to, etc. Each one of these factors plays a huge role in the type of person we become. Sure, we all have some predisposed characteristics, such as a shy demeanor, but ultimately what you are exposed to early on is what will shape you for the rest of your life.
Then we get a little older and start to become exposed to other outside stimuli. We become more self-reliant, we start to navigate our way through the world, shuffling through a multitude of different emotions attempting to decipher which beliefs we will stick with and which we would rather do without. We meet people that reinforce our own beliefs and we meet others that challenge our ways of thinking. Both of these types of individuals I am grateful for.
Because sometimes we need that reminder that there is always room to grow in our thoughts, beliefs, and how we carry ourselves. It’s good to realize that not everyone out there is exactly like us and that the life events and situations others have been exposed to can be vastly different compared to our own. We need to recognize that change and differences are okay, but we also need to be aware that we are not here to impose our morals, beliefs, and lifestyle choices on others.
Most importantly, we need to respect each other.
We need to understand that just because we have different opinions on things does not mean that one person is right over the other. As mentioned before, we have all grown up and been exposed to different stimuli that has ultimately shaped who we are. And trying to completely and fully, comprehend another’s choices, beliefs, etc., based on their own life events is not an easy task, but respecting their differences is.
Even at the smallest levels we can implement this.
Respect the fact that some people you meet might not always want to go out and party and that they might find more peace in staying home and reading on a Friday night. Respect the fact that someone may have gone through harder times at an early age and that you may have had it fairly easy your whole life. Recognize that none of these differences make someone better or less worthy than another.
So with that in mind, respect each other, love each other, and understand that these differences are what make our world beautiful.
