Understanding III
How does it feel in someone else’s shoes?
We are not all the same, and we all have varying levels of abilities. We have different strengths and weaknesses. Our challenges are not the same, nor are our ability to react to the challenges we face daily.
We are also not at the same stage or phase of life or have the same privileges or opportunities. There could be numerous reasons for the situation, but the reality is that one person differs from another in many ways.
It explains why some people find some things easy while others find them challenging. One may be good at one thing and not so good at another. Everyone has a different journey, goals, and destination, which could better explain their situation.
A young man can run and do things faster, but an older person may not because he is in a different phase of life. Likewise, a healthy person may be able to conduct himself in public, but a sick person may not have the same control because of illness.
An adult may find it easy to carry a heavy load, but a toddler may find it challenging. A teenager may keep silent to show respect to those around, but a baby will cry out regardless of who is present.
We cannot all be the same; even if possible, it would not be at the same time. Some are old now, while some are babies. They were also babies once, but a different set of people were old then. Learning to tolerate others knowing that they are different or appreciate them knowing that their situation is different is a way of showing understanding.
Everybody cannot have the same abilities, but standing in a position of understanding helps to support them based on their needs.
There is a sign in public places highlighting priority for older people, but in some areas, you may find nothing that suggests such. It is a choice to show understanding. For example, you may be young and have gotten up early to get to the bus station to secure your favourite seat. An older person turns up when there are no more seats. You have the right to sit tight and argue that you got there first, but understanding will relate to the elderly because they are weak, frail, and cannot compete with you. You could choose to give up your seat so that the older person does not stand on the bus—it is riskier for them than for a younger person. It is showing compassion to give up your right to treat them well and show respect for them.
Some time ago, two customers approached the checkout of a grocery store. One was in front with a trolley load of items to pay for, but the next had a couple of things. It is usually first come, first served, but on looking back, the customer ahead saw that the customer behind only had two items and was in a hurry. So the former gave up her space on the queue for the latter by choice. The person must have thought of what it could feel like to wait to scan 100 items while the next person only has 2 to checkout.
If you can imagine life in another person’s shoes, you are more likely to act with compassion and understanding, even when it means giving up your right.
Understanding is a choice that can add value to other people’s lives. You can make a difference in the life of somebody by showing understanding.
[pvcp_1]
