Opinions .... we all have one

Something happened to me the other day. I was talking to a good friend of mine, someone who I love, respect and admire and we had a difference of opinion on a subject that is near and dear to my heart. I will save the subject matter for another time and another blog. The whole point is we had a difference of opinion and it could have gotten ugly ... but it didn't. Why, because we decided to listen to each other and gain an expanded perspective. I then thought about our conversation and thought about that quote that says "With every encounter no matter how brief, we should take something away from it". Lets just say I took a whole lot away from that conversation and I don't think the other person even realized how profound our encounter really was. Then I remembered something I had read many years ago and everything just made sense .....

You don't have to agree in order to understand, but you do have to listen with an open mind. You do not have to give up or give into another in order to understand, but you do have to give your attention and consideration. You do not have to change your own position in order to understand the position of another, but you do have to accept that there are valid perspectives besides your own. Seeing things only from your own point of view puts you at a distinct disadvantage. The more open you are to understanding others, the more effective your actions will be.

People in today's society need to realize what an amazing gift it is that there are those that see things differently then you do. By offering understanding you gain the benefit of an expanded perspective. I have every intention of expanding my perspective .....