Just Keep Sharing

In the last few days you may have heard that amongst some circles of thought, Dr. Seuss has gone out of fashion. We think he did, however, have some wise words for all of us.

This is good advice for all of us. One of the ways we all come to a greater understanding, grow as people, and expand our thoughts, is through conversation. And most especially with people who may have a different perspective or life experience from our own. Hearing how someone else sees or feels about something expands our own thought. Whether or not we are persuaded to agree with the other person’s thinking we can at least find a greater appreciation for the point of view they have and better understanding of them as people. Conversation, respectful disagreement even, is healthy and important. But in our current cultural climate, people are sometimes anxious or even afraid to say what they think or how they feel about anything for fear of offending someone or finding themselves the object of someone else’s scorn or ridicule. The consequence is that we stop having important conversations and stop growing as individuals and stop gaining understanding. How very sad this is for all of us.

This quote from Dr. Seuss is a powerful reminder NOT to stop sharing our thoughts and feelings with each other. If someone sees a subject very differently from how you see it, don’t miss the opportunity to try and understand his or her point of view, and allow yourself to be open enough to be persuaded to see the subject in a new light. Likewise don’t miss the opportunity to give your own opinion and point of view.

The key is to be yourself respectfully but without apology, and stay open and respectful of others. A friend, or even an acquaintance who is fair-minded and open will be as interested in your thoughts as you have been in his or her thoughts and he or she will appreciate you sharing, or in some cases risking, giving your own perspective. If they don’t, move on and remember what the good “Dr.”said ….”those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Just keep sharing,