I have made some really dumb statements in my life. I mean some really, really narrow minded black and white statements. One of the doosies I used for a long time was about how my world was really small. I really said that. I meant it, too. Not only did I say it and mean it, I made it happen.
The premise of this statement was to live in principle. What I would tell myself is that as a result of standing by my principles that my path would become very narrow and my world would become small. The reality is that I allowed myself to live in more fear and to justify some very limiting beliefs.
I am a man of principle. I am very committed to the way I live. However, my life contains many layers. With these layers come a wonderful diversity in relationships. I no longer choose to limit myself under the rationalization of ” living in principle.” I realize today that not only do other people have different opinions, but that based on their definition of happiness, they are right!
In other words, it is cool that I have formed perceptions of life based on my experiences. I also know that other people can benefit from what I have learned based on these experiences. A part of my maturation process is realizing that I can benefit from the experience of others. This sounds so overly simple but it is very important to recognize the importance of building and maintaining diverse relationships in order to enhance the richness of life. If I limit myself to only spending time with people who share my opinions, I will never give myself the opportunity to widen my perspective. I don’t want to live that way. What do you think?
You are very wise, you’ve always been very intelligent, but now your wisdom is shining through. I couldn’t be more proud.
I think I love that! One of my motto’s is “people before ideas”. When I lived with principles first, my world was small, lonely, close minded, and bland. Everything was very uniform, including what all the people around me wore. Brings to mind an American version of the burqua. Opening up to diversity, difference, others…that’s beautiful because people are beautiful! The world gets bigger and there’s room to grow and I think, becomes more peaceful, which is opposite to what a fear-based ideology would have us believe.
I love it!! I am recently realizing the same thing as I put myself out into the world more, and have been connecting with so many different people whose experiences are so different from mine. Also, as I am doing things that the me of 5 years ago may have been uncomfortable with, I find myself thinking alot lately, “who am I to judge anyone including myself!?” I have seriously enjoyed connecting with and getting to know all of the people who have come into my life lately, and it is seriously enriching my life and adding to how much more I get to enjoy every moment of my day. Why would I pass that up? It is risky, but it is soooo worth it. I love you Clint. Thanks for being you! 🙂
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