“Most of the time, people want to be seen, understood and appreciated. And if we can offer someone dignity, we give them a gift that’s difficult to find.”
This Christmas, I took the risk and wrote a few personal notes (instead of gifts).
As I wrote, I found myself surprised how difficult it can be to really see, understand and offer specific appreciation for others that we’re not used to really seeing and appreciating.
I found myself looking into a mirror and seeing how my own judgements about others — even those close to me — can cloud my ability to really understand them. As a result, I wasn’t able to readily write the letter that I most wanted to offer.
That said, I think the attempt of offering another that dignity of being seen — might still be one of the most important gifts we can offer one another.
Here’s the full post from Seth Godin’s blog today:
Towards Peace
Peace might not mean getting everyone else to do what you want them to do.
Instead, it might involve understanding that people don’t always want what we want and don’t often believe what we believe. Everyone has their own narrative and is struggling with their own fears.
We can begin there.
Most of the time, people want to be seen, understood and appreciated. And if we can offer someone dignity, we give them a gift that’s difficult to find.