This article is dedicated to the people in the background.
Many of you may know or notice that I enjoy music or titling articles based on lyrics or albums of various bands. This week, I'd like to give some insight into what it means to be understanding because sometimes I believe it really is "what you don't see."
What does being "understanding" encompass? Is it knowing how to handle people, situations, problems, etc.? Is it being compassionate, sympathetic, caring, knowledgeable, and giving people the benefit of the doubt? Or is it being the person who listens, relates, and doesn't belittle anyone else's problems?
Or is it all of the above and more?
I think its more. When we say we understand what people are going through, that entails a lot. To me, it means walking around in their shoes a little, whether that be comfortably or uncomfortably. Everyone has a story, whether they share it or not is their own business. That being said, I think it's important to give people the benefit of the doubt. I think it's even more important to recognize that everyone has their own burdens, and yes, some are heavier than others.
It's all about perspective folks. Just because you have problems does not mean you need to compete with the person next to you to see who has it worse or who is struggling more. Life is not meant to be spent discussing who had the worst week or worst day. I believe life is for living, and how you do that is up to you of course.
To my people in the background that rarely complain, or if you do sometimes, thank you for recognizing the good in so many situations. Thank you for understanding that time commitments can be difficult, things can slip people's minds, and no one is perfect. Thank you for knowing when to remain calm, when to listen, and when to just say "it's okay. I got you." Thank you for taking the time to lend a helping hand, be genuine, and not patronize people. Thank you for being understanding. You are sometimes certainly what people don't see, what most people don't recognize, but you are of the utmost importance.
What you don't see:
The person struggling because he/she is new. The person so stressed he/she doesn't know who to turn to. The person who just lost a family member, but pretends everything is fine. The person who is so type A, they don't always know how to "take it down a notch." The person who struggles with depression and/or anxiety. The person who actually enjoys alone time. The person who has a lot more going on in their life than you actually recognize.
So I challenge you to take the time to look around and gather what you don't usually see. Take the time to be a little more understanding. You never know who needs it the most.
