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Food for Thought: Valuing the differences of others in your community

Have you ever taken a moment to review your personal value structure when valuing others differences? For some, this might not be a major undertaking as they are already able to recognize and value those that are different or do not agree with them. But for some, this conversation might prove to be challenging, and starting the process of valuing others could be a key to success as you interact with others in the future. Check out the questions below and think about how you would answer them. Also think about altering your current value structure might change your answers.

1. When defining your community, whether it be where you live or the people you associate with daily, how do you value their culture, opinions, religions, beliefs, etc?
2. How do these differences effect the decision making of your community has a whole?
3. Are there differences that are overlooked or ignored? Why? How does that effect the conversations?
4. Do you truly accept and find value in the differences of those around you or are you being tolerant of them because it is the “right” thing to do?
5. How can a community utilize these differences to have a positive impact on the community has a whole?

At the end of the day we must evaluate ourselves and our interactions with others to truly appreciate their beliefs and opinions. If we are better able to relate, accept, and welcome those who are different than us, we will be much better off in our day to day lives.

Kyle Bymaster