Did I speak Spanish? No.
Did we talk about "cultural differences?" No.
Did I know about his country? Not much, mainly where it was on the map.
None of these things really seemed to matter. We were interested in
getting to know each other as people, not as nationalities or cultures.
We didn't begin with assumptions or preconceived ideas. We talked
about our work, our hopes and dreams, our philosophies of life, our
beliefs, and our families.
We shared some common interests that we
enjoyed, introduced each other to some new interests. Just like friends
anywhere, we were looking for common elements to share rather than
differences to try to overcome. Our differences were interesting to
learn about rather than barriers because we found things to like about
each other first. And of course we found them because that was our
intent. Similarity rather than diversity made the connection.
We accepted each other 'as is' and had a lot of fun in the process.
This same friend gave me a copy of The Little Prince as a gift.
In that story, the Prince has a flower on his home planet who has told him
that she is 'one of a kind' and has to be treated specially because of
that. When he travels to Earth he finds a garden filled with roses
that look just like his flower. At first he is saddened.
Later he realizes that his flower was telling the truth. That she is
"unique in all the world" because of their friendship, because
of the connection that they have made.
So often we judge others rather than expressing acceptance.
Since we are all one-of-a-kind events, "unique in all the
world," someone else's expression is never going to be a clone of our
own whether they grew up next door or halfway around the world, on Earth
or the Little Prince's planet. Treating people with
dignity and respect is an exercise in finding those points where we
connect. Dignity involves allowing others to define themselves
rather than labeling them. Respect involves acknowledging and
appreciating that individuality without judging it. Accepting
each other "as is."
Have a Great Day and be good to yourself. You deserve it!
Gail
©Gail Pursell Elliott. Food For Thought is part of the Dignity
and Respect message that is Innovations. If you enjoyed this Food For
Thought message, feel free to share it with others. Please honor the
copyright and forward this email in its entirety. For permission to
reprint in a newsletter or publication, contact Gail at info@innovations-training.com.
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