Social acceptance, Coronavirus, and Politics – What a way to start the new decade!
Why is it that we are all so quick to identify problems and solutions to physical health, yet we let unhealthy social patterns thrive?
When a Coronavirus threatens our health and well-being, we all know how to find hand soap and toilet paper to protect against the threat. But when people and relationships start to feel like a threat to our comfort and happiness, we resort to name calling and witch hunts – or worse, brute force and violence. 10 minutes of any popular news feed will tell you that!
And, c’mon, let’s face it – even the kindest, most self controlled people can really lose their (insert toilet paper here) with people. I have heard too many politicians, worked in too many jobs, met too many moms, and witnessed too many sibling interactions to think otherwise. And it isn’t just the people we hate who are victims of our dysfunction. The problems are prevalent in our closest relationships.
Seriously – if it takes a major health threat to get everyone to wash their hands and . . . implement . . . other . . . important personal hygiene opportunities, what will it take to awaken us to the fact that relationship dysfunction is wreaking havoc on our culture, our way of life, and our happiness. Could it be that a few simple and easy to understand adjustments to our social habits will really make a big difference? Well, yes, I’m sure of it, and I think it will have an even bigger impact on our lives than hand soap and toilet paper.
If we could solve our problems with people and relationships, we could probably solve half of the world’s problems, and eliminate most of our own. That may even be an understatement!
Okay, I know . . . . Half of the world’s problems? Isn’t that kinda dramatic? Even so, I am convinced, if we all did one thing better – ONE THING – everything would change, and this world would be a much, much better place.
So what is that one thing that will change everything?
It’s not some new philosophy, or clever invention. It’s not some kind of mindset or state of being. It’s actually quite simple and practical. In fact it’s a principle as old as the hills and all the stories told there. And it’s something we’ve all heard before.
“Love your neighbor as yourself”
I don’t mean to be melodramatic, but that’s it. That’s the life hack that will change everything.
I know, I know – some of you are thinking something like:
It can’t be that simple!
What does that even mean – “Love your neighbor as yourself?”
What is love?
Who’s my neighbor?
What if I don’t like my neighbor – let alone love them?
What if I don’t love myself?
Love your neighbor as yourself ?
We’ve all heard some version of that line. And it sounds so simple. But is it really? It just begs to ask more questions.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t know how to do that,” or “I’m not motivated enough,” or “I don’t feel like it,” or “It’s too difficult. . . .”
I think we’ve made it more complicated than it’s intended to be. So let’s keep it simple.
Loving yourself simply means taking care of the needs that you’re aware of.
- When you’re hungry, you eat
- When you’re thirsty, you drink
- When you’re tired, you sleep
- When you need to use the restroom, you . . . remember to bring hand soap and toilet paper
. . . you get the point. Of course that’s a list of your most basic needs. Those needs are easy to understand, and for most of us, they’re easy to meet. But what about the deeper, more complex, misunderstood needs. What about the needs that we aren’t even aware of?
Those are great questions. But let’s just take a minute to consider how much better the world would be if we were all . . .
- patient enough
- kind enough
- content enough
- humble enough
- considerate enough
- courteous enough
- caring enough
- confident enough
- gracious enough
- merciful enough
. . . to be attentive to the needs of people around us. And then, what if we all invested the emotions, intentions, focus, and effort, to generously reach into other peoples’ lives, and meet the needs that you do understand? How would that impact the world around you?
Now, ask yourself these questions
- What will that require of me?
- What will that cost me?
- What priorities do I need to rearrange in order to make that a reality?
Simple concepts + massive action = change your world! It starts with your closest neighbors . . . .
About the author
Micah Anderson is a Relationship Coach who helps people transform relationships so they can experience their best life. For help in your relationships, book a Free Introduction Session with Micah today.