"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." — Plato
This thought has been with me for years as I have this sign posted in my classroom. I see it every day. It’s an idea that I think we all need to remember and realize the validity that Plato made with this statement.
I’ll be the first to admit when I get down in the dumps about things being difficult or that I’m not doing the things I know I need to do in order to be successful, I tend to forget the countless others that have it far worse than me. I know plenty of people personally that have it worse off, yet they seem to be happier than most people. I am working hard to keep this thought in my mind as I deal with people every day.
To hear the stories from people that share them, not only does it draw me closer to them as far as having empathy for them and their situation, it also inspires me to move forward to actually doing something about the issues and problems that I have – seeing others dealing with theirs really helps. This is one of many things that I think we need to focus on more – having empathy for others. Not so much sympathy, but empathy. That ability to take the point of view of others, to see things through their eyes, to imagine walking in their shoes; what a powerful opportunity we all have to learn so many valuable lessons that it can bring.
Our country got some good lessons in humbleness when Pope Francis came for a visit recently. Just watching the news stories about his visit were uplifting. The stories got me thinking about making changes in my life to include more of making a difference with others. Knowing that we are all fighting things in our lives that get in the way, it makes sense to try and do more to not only help others, but to also improve and help ourselves with what we can do in our own lives too.
Good reflections for this week and beyond. Any thoughts?
This thought has been with me for years as I have this sign posted in my classroom. I see it every day. It’s an idea that I think we all need to remember and realize the validity that Plato made with this statement.
I’ll be the first to admit when I get down in the dumps about things being difficult or that I’m not doing the things I know I need to do in order to be successful, I tend to forget the countless others that have it far worse than me. I know plenty of people personally that have it worse off, yet they seem to be happier than most people. I am working hard to keep this thought in my mind as I deal with people every day.
To hear the stories from people that share them, not only does it draw me closer to them as far as having empathy for them and their situation, it also inspires me to move forward to actually doing something about the issues and problems that I have – seeing others dealing with theirs really helps. This is one of many things that I think we need to focus on more – having empathy for others. Not so much sympathy, but empathy. That ability to take the point of view of others, to see things through their eyes, to imagine walking in their shoes; what a powerful opportunity we all have to learn so many valuable lessons that it can bring.
Our country got some good lessons in humbleness when Pope Francis came for a visit recently. Just watching the news stories about his visit were uplifting. The stories got me thinking about making changes in my life to include more of making a difference with others. Knowing that we are all fighting things in our lives that get in the way, it makes sense to try and do more to not only help others, but to also improve and help ourselves with what we can do in our own lives too.
Good reflections for this week and beyond. Any thoughts?
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