Let people be who they are and how they are. You are not the police of everyone. Let them miss a beat, mispronounce a word, do it their way without your commentary or advice. Stop needing to understand every single thing. Stop needing to prove your point. Stop making it all about you all the time. Just let them be how they are.
You know what happens when you do this? You become more peaceful and at ease. You laugh more easily. You love more frequently. Don’t you want that for yourself?
I’m not saying let poor behavior go unchecked or to stand by and allow cruelty on your watch. I’m not suggesting you sacrifice your values, integrity or compassion. I’m saying sometimes just be quiet and let them tell their story without you having to share yours. Let them be who they are without a desire to fix them or enlighten them according to your personal standards. Not everyone needs your stamp of approval, your opinion or your logic.
You know what people need? Someone who will listen. Just listen. And people want to be seen. That’s it. People most often want to be seen and heard. Can we at least offer that much?
I believe the world would be a different kind of place if we offered our ear and our presence to the one in front of us.
Paula
