Is Being Right More Important than Being Understanding?

I’m of the belief that everything in our lives is a learning experience. However, it’s up to us how quickly the lesson is learned, if at all. With that in mind, I believe I’m in the process of learning a very valuable lesson.

For months I’ve been confronted with situations where the only rational explanation for what keeps happening is that each person involved is seeing things very differently than me. Given how very differently each person perceived each situation, is it fair to say then that one person is wrong and the other right? Could it be that each person is right AND wrong?

This business of “perspective” is the foundation from which our lives are formed. Perspective is the way we as individuals view the world, which ultimately dictates the decisions we make. Through our perspective we create our lives. We decide what type of lifestyle is acceptable. What dreams we deem attainable. What jokes we find funny. What type of people we like to be around and how we get along with others, among many other things.

Knowing how important perspective is, I’m beginning to see how UNIMPORTANT proving I’m right is. I’m fully aware that saying I’m right, is saying that the other person is wrong. And, since at numerous times in my life I’ve been accused of being wrong, I know exactly how that feels. I’m left thinking, how could I be wrong? I lay out my case in my head, and to others that will agree with me, only to confirm how right I am. It’s a very difficult space to be in: when you’re 100% convinced you’re right.

I’ve been thinking about this because not only have I been faced with such a dilemma, but others in my circle have too, as I suspect everyone in the world has at one point. If we can for one moment put aside that need to be right, then recognize that the person is not wrong but instead it’s just their perspective--based on the life they’ve lived, then we can move to a more important place, LOVE.

Being right is not more important than being LOVING, CARING AND UNDERSTANDING. Love is how each and every relationship should be handled. Love is Kind. Love is Patient. Love is Understanding. If we ever hurt another human being to the point of tears, it is our duty to be compassionate and open our heart to this person, pushing aside ALL PRIDE!

Luckily for me, the people in my life that caused me to shed tears over perspective have come around. And for that I am thankful!! Recently, someone in my family was incredibly hurt by someone’s perspective. This was a very valuable lesson for me. Forcing the need to be right is not only wrong, but CRUEL.  I’m constantly preaching about self-love, but, by no means does this mean forgetting about giving love and showing love to those that matter most in our life.

Call to action this week is this: I believe if we listen closely we'll know exactly what lesson we’re in the midst of. Listen, learn and move on.

Till Next Time!