This may shock you, but I don’t like everyone. In fact, more surprising, is that not everyone likes me. Crazy, right? (If you are reading this correctly, you will distinctly hear a sarcastic tone.) As I grow older, I realize that though I might not like everyone, I shouldn’t discount their message.
It is difficult for me to genuinely listen to those individuals who don’t really have a prominent position in my life. Especially when I distrust or simply don’t like the person. However, some of the greatest messages that I have received have been from those very people.
The most important lesson that I can share is that by opening my heart and my ears, I become teachable. My teachers come in all forms. It could be as simple as the cashier at the grocery store or a new acquaintance. For me, it usually comes from someone that is my “tool tester”. That one person with whom I struggle with and that gets on my last good nerve. Yes, it pains me to reveal that, but in essence, I hear the best when I am willing and walls of resistance have been broken. Sounds simple, but I am stubborn, so this takes me some time and tremendous practice to really open to the teachable words that roll off the tongue.
I am a work in progress. My hope is to welcome the messages from all who share and take what I like while leaving the rest.
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