Captions for a fast read
Full Article for a longer read
Do you believe that it’s hard to achieve?
All it takes is to UNLEARN 2 automatic behaviors:
1️⃣ judgment
2️⃣ bias
We have strong opinions on what is right or wrong but what makes sense to us might not be valid for others.
❄️ It’s more than OK to be different and unique.
By embracing our uniqueness instead of punishing it, we will soon perceive our differences as the strongest asset!
Do you want to know more about it? Then read the long version!
Does the thought of creating safe environments discourage you, feeling like you will need to do a lot of extra work on your already busy day to achieve that?
Maybe at first, it could indeed seem a bit challenging and thought-consuming, especially since you might need to unlearn some behaviors that you and I have been doing for a very long time, mainly in an unconscious way.
These behaviors are judgment and bias.
We were programmed to have fanatically strong opinions on what is right and wrong based on our criteria or the criteria we choose to adopt.
Any “right or wrong”, especially on fundamental topics, could be true for us…
…but completely false for others.
And that is more than ok as long as we don’t expect from or impose to others to agree with what makes sense to us
or even “punish” through different modes those others for being different than us.
When we criticize people, out loud or even through our silence, showing them that we don’t approve of who they are, of what they do or what they believe in, the only thing that we could achieve is to profoundly hurt them. Sometimes we could bring them so much pain and in an irreversible manner especially if through our behavior we make them feel invalidated.
I don’t want to be a person who brings negative feelings to others through my voice, through my silence, through the way I look at someone or through the way I purposely avoid looking at someone.
I know that I have the power to easily hurt others. And I consciously choose not to do it. Or at least to minimize it as much as possible.
The solution to creating safe environments and allowing others to be their true selves?
By practicing daily the muscle of constantly reminding ourselves that we are all unique individuals and every aspect of us is unique as well.
And not only accept that uniqueness but cherish it and see its positives.
Does the thought of creating safe environments discourage you, feeling like you will need to do a lot of extra work on your already busy day to achieve that?
Maybe at first, it could indeed seem a bit challenging and thought-consuming, especially since you might need to unlearn some behaviors that you and I have been doing for a very long time, mainly in an unconscious way.
These behaviors are judgment and bias.
We were programmed to have fanatically strong opinions on what is right and wrong based on our criteria or the criteria we choose to adopt.
Any “right or wrong”, especially on fundamental topics, could be true for us…
…but completely false for others.
And that is more than ok as long as we don’t expect from or impose to others to agree with what makes sense to us
or even “punish” through different modes those others for being different from us.
When we criticize people, out loud or even through our silence, showing them that we don’t approve of who they are, of what they do, or what they believe in, the only thing we could achieve is profoundly hurt them. Sometimes we could bring them so much pain and in an irreversible manner especially if through our behavior we make them feel invalidated.
I don’t want to be a person who brings negative feelings to others through my voice, through my silence, through the way I look at someone, or through the way I purposely avoid looking at someone.
I know that I have the power to easily hurt others. And I consciously choose not to do it. Or at least to minimize it as much as possible.
The solution to creating safe environments and allowing others to be their true selves?
By practicing daily the muscle of constantly reminding ourselves that we are all unique individuals and every aspect of us is unique as well.
And not only accept that uniqueness but cherish it and see its positives.
Our opinions, values, fears, traumas, experiences, strengths, talents, natural characteristics, what brings us joy, what frustrates us, what we accept and what not, what makes sense to us and what not, are just some of the numerous features that make us unique, makes us who we are.
If we permanently have in mind that it’s perfectly fine to not agree on everything with everyone else and still coexist peacefully could be a life-changing mindset to easily create safe spaces for all of us to be our true selves all day long. And even use our differences in incredibly constructive ways.
The amazing part is that once we actively allow and approve others to be their authentic selves and be seen and appreciated for who they are, it’s a matter of time until they do the same for us.
We will manage to perceive each other on a profound level.
And soon, we will create a society filled with individuals that feel amazing about who they are while building strong and supportive relationships based on trust and genuine care.
That’s it! Yes, it’s that simple.
Forget what makes sense to you, what is suitable to you, and give the space to others to be who they truly are.
You will soon see how outstanding we all are, with our uniqueness being our strongest asset.
Don’t be afraid of our differences. You are not at risk here.
Quite the opposite. You are safe here.
(Please, be advised that unfortunately in some countries showing your true self could put your life in danger especially regarding LGBTQIA+ aspects)
Let’s be the brave ones that are doing the first step of allowing others to be their true selves and inspire them to do the same for us.
Let’s create these safe environments for everybody, starting right now!