So, for this prompt, we invite you to share with us. Some of the core values you uphold. How have you been able to work with them? What challenges have you encountered?
When I saw this prompt, I took some time to ponder and reflect on the values that drive my life, how I think and how I connect to people. Over the years that I have come to learn about who I am, though I can't say that I have fully discovered my potential, my journey has been driven or rather anchored in some strong values.
When building connections, I lean heavily on my empathetic nature. I take it as my responsibility to not only care about others, but to try and understand them. We're diverse beings, and my point of view is not your point of view. I always find myself stepping into other people's shoes and try to walk in them just to grasp their perspective. When I add my optimism to my empathy, I get to see the good in other people, and it helps me not to jump to conclusions quickly. However, it drains me at times when I get to offer people more chances than they require just to see if we truly align.
My empathy also drives me to be kind to others. Every day I remind myself, "Everyone is going through something," and just because they don't show it physically, doesn't mean I should be careless with my words. It is through kindness that I maintain peace and harmony with others. I am aware words hurt, and since I wouldn't love to be hurt by someone's unkind words, I tend to apply the same to others with all due respect. But people are just people. And they have a tendency to take someone's kindness for weakness. Many a time, my kindness has been mistaken for niceness, and this has resulted in some taking advantage of me.
I can only be authentic and balanced if I can stand up for myself. I have been forced to be rude to people who have abused and disrespected my values. Being a great advocate of: "do unto others what you want done unto you," has taught me to respect others, whereas, in return, I expect the same respect. If the same respect is met with objectification, I choose to walk away to protect my peace, and to avoid confrontations; something that doesn't come naturally to me.
I am only human. Not every day do I get to meet with people who think the same as me. And if I'm being honest with myself, even the strongest of all break at times. When I go out into the world, I present it with the kind of passion I deserve to receive. And since I'm only human, sometimes I mirror the energy I receive. I know that I may be an empath, I may be kind, I may be respectful and when the world mirrors my values otherwise, I know that I am authentic enough to stand firm and protect my peace.
This is the path I continue to walk; with empathy, kindness, optimism, authenticity, respect, and with courage to protect my peace.
Thank you for reading❤️.