How I relate to my inner self influences my relationships with all others.  My satisfaction with myself and my satisfaction with other people are directly proportional.

Sue Atchley Ebaugh

Really great people have a curious feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them.  And they see something divine in every other person.

John Ruskin

We want the facts to fit the preconceptions.  When they don't, it's easier to ignore the facts than to change the preconceptions.

Jessamyn West

As far as possible, stay as you are,
with the eye clear and open
and washed clean of fear;
with the skin untracked
by the sad workings of the heart,
lips unskilled in spite.
As far as possible, stay as you are,
the morning's first light
cause enough for joy,
each passing face
judged only by the color of its smile.
As far as possible, stay as you are.
Gaze out at the world
with its mystery and noise,
but refuse all offers to join.
Be backwards in evil,
advanced in love.
As far as possible, stay as you are,
with the upturned face
and the open palm,
with the stumble of faith
and the shout of hope.
For of such is the Kingdom.

Some people do things completely differently from the way you would do them.  It does not mean that they are right or that you are wrong.  It means that people are different.  There are things that people say which you would probably say in a different way, at a different time.  It does not mean that people are wrong to speak up, to speak out, or to speak their minds.  Nor does it mean that you are wrong for choosing not to do so.  It means that people are different.

Different is not right or wrong.  It is a reality.  Differences become problems only when we choose to measure ourselves by our difference in an effort to determine who is right and who is wrong.

It is not loving, healthy or necessary to make people wrong for what they do, what they say, or the way in which they do it or say it.  Nor is it self-affirming to feel wrong when you see things differently, do things in a different way or express a difference of opinion.  All people are different from one another.  Our different points of view shape our vantage point and our vision.  Where we sit is a function of where we have sat.  What we can see is a function of what we have seen.

No one person's experience, point of view or view point is more accurate, more acceptable, more righteous than another.  It is simply different.  Our differences sometimes make agreement difficult to achieve.  They should never make us feel wrong.  Nor should they lead us to believe that what others believe is wrong.

Until today, you may have questioned, opposed, resisted or even detested differences.  Just for today, open your heart.  Be willing to embrace different points of view, different points of view, different habits, different responses, different opinions and the differences that exist between yourself and others.

If I Want. . .

If I want the world of the future to include respectful, caring people, then I must treat children of today with respect and caring, being a role model to help them to grow up well.

If I want to see and hear less gossip in the world, then I must not gossip and share information that I'm unsure of that may hurt others.

If I want my days to be full of kind words and gladness, then I must share kind words and gladness with others.

If I want the young people in my life to have a stronger chance of achieving their goals and reaching their dreams, then I must encourage them and help them to build their confidence.

If I want my friends to live happier, healthier lives, then I must encourage them and be there for them when they need me with what they need, rather than trying to tell them what to do in order to be happier.

If I want the planet upon which we all must live to thrive and be healthy, then I must actively work to make it so, even if my contribution is as small as driving less and picking up some litter.

If I want to be promoted or to find better work, then I must work to improve myself by reading or otherwise learning the information and skills that will make me invaluable at any work that I choose to do.

If I want to feel peace of heart and peace of mind, then I must search out periods of time when I can be at peace in peaceful surroundings.

If I want my students to learn what they need to learn, then I must know what I'm supposed to know and work to improve my knowledge of subject matter and of teaching methodologies.

If I want to be healthier, then I must eat healthier, exercise regularly, and find productive ways to deal with stress in my life.

If I want strong relationships, then I must work at communicating effectively, I must stop trying to control other people's thoughts and actions, and I must develop realistic expectations of what others can and cannot do.

If I want to be able to help others, I must love myself, I must trust myself, and I must develop the compassion necessary to recognize the needs of others.

If I want to be special, then I must recognize that I am special, and I must know that there's no need to prove how special I am to anyone.

Reproduced with permission from the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine.  All contents Copyright © 2004 Jim Rohn International except where indicated otherwise. All rights reserved worldwide.