Perspective

From the Daily Compass:

As train tracks stretch into the distance they appear to converge. We know the two sides of a track are always at an even distance, but our eyes tell us that the farther they are away, the closer they are together. Even what we “know” from the evidence of our own eyes isn’t necessarily true. Perhaps what we “know” about other people—that they are unkind or selfish or unfair— might be as much a function of our perception as their reality.

How might you see someone who bothers you in a different light?

When someone bothers me, I try to figure out why.For many years, my Memaw has been a little difficult. She constantly blames others for things that happen to her. She says that everyone is out to get her. As long as everyone agrees with her, she is happy. If anyone disagrees with her, they are out to get her. They hate her, according to Memaw. Since then, she has been diagnosed with paranoid dementia. So, now, I try to keep this in mind when she gets angry and belligerent. I also try to find out why someone else is the way they are. I try to see things from their point of view. This has made me very open-minded. It has also made it difficult for me to stick to my own personal beliefs. I can see the other side so well, that I tend to be in the middle on many issues.

In high school, I was on the debate team. We did not choose what side we were on for any given issue. We had to learn to defend or oppose any given subject. It was difficult, but it really helped me. I try really hard to see both sides. It makes me less angry with people due to their position on a given subject. But, it also makes me intolerable of closed-minded people. The one side of the issue that I cannot tolerate is intolerance. This sounds so funny. But I cannot stand those who  think there is just one path, one side, or one view. These people annoy me. I really wish everyone could do as I have done and see both sides of the story.

---