Lesson #8- It’s okay to change your opinions, don’t be too proud of them. Change them all the time - from Lessons from My Father. I have learned that I do often need to examine my opinions, and be willing to change them; and in my opinion, everyone should do the same. Especially when it comes to the relationships in our lives. To everyone you meet, who you may end up calling a friend, be willing to listen to them. And before you end a relationship over an opinion, you should ask yourself if it’s really worth that cost.
Category: Lessons from my father
If you don’t know where to start, start by listening to them. - from Lessons from My Father ”It’s not about you.” I don’t know who said that first, but it’s a pretty common saying. I find myself repeating it often. But in our world today, so much pressure we hear is that it is about us. Whether it’s the ads on our social media feed that talk about success, career, buying a new car, a new home, living longer, luxury purchases, or luxury vacations - the messaging is about finding happiness. Or the messaging is about lack of health, depression, sleepless nights; also medicating your way to happiness.
This morning I am again reflecting on lessons I learned from my father. This one usually comes easy for me. I like to listen to people. I like to hear them tell stories, share experiences.
It is far easier to judge and condemn others than it is to seek to understand their point of view. It’s far easier to not care about what they think. It's also popular, everyone is doing it. It's all over our society. We dismiss others because of their point of view.
Wondering how I am doing in comparison with others has never helped me. It's only led me to discouragement and despair. I don't know if I will ever match my hero's abilities, and there always seems to be someone better than me. Why even bother?
Danny Kolke 