Chapter 1: Imperfect yet loved.

In the grand scheme of things of the human race, there is a lack of perfection. Nothing is perfect, and no human being can ever claim it. While we are all on a spectrum of being flawed creatures, our acceptance of them must be on a range as well.

I want to state that while imperfection may mean that we are flawed, that does not mean we are unworthy of love, affection, and kindness. However, the extent someone may give that to us depends on a few factors, Everyone deserves acceptance and respect, as flawed beings, that does not give us a right to not improve and harm others. So how do we provide love and acceptance to others in a world so fractured?

We must work on ourselves and understand we are flawed beings too. Then we must work on these things and know that the acceptance we received while in progress of creating our own masterpiece must be given to others. This does not mean we expose our selves to a continuous onslaught of negativity and toxic behavior from or towards others. This is a balancing act, we can either be too accepting and tolerant of others that we become a welcome matt for hurt or we can be closed off to the point that we see the world as black and white. So how do we stay in this center?

By knowing our limits and showing empathy for our fellow man. One guide is our emotions especially after given some time after the situation has occurred. The second is our own bodies and health, our physical and mental well being is an indicator of how we are, The third is our friends, who can see things from an outside perspective as they are not directly involved. The fourth is setting healthy, confident and firm boundaries and understanding the word no, from a loving place rather than one of anger, or exclusion.

So how can we show empathy and understanding for another person? Especially when we have never been in their situation?

We call upon a similar situation in our lives and express relatability. We can also guide those with advice if they are open to it. If not we must learn to just ignore them and allow life to teach them their own lessons, as my mentor would say.

Another method is to develop a habit of seeing things from the viewpoint of the other person. One way to do this is to the octopus technique. By understanding that we are all a part of a single consciousness or experience we can learn to see things from their perception. Even if you are not spiritual, logic dictates that we are a part of a big picture.

Now follow your heart and enjoy life to the fullest!