The Truth Tellers...

On the flip side of that – the kinds of individuals which I do NOT hold a very high level of respect for are those that in a word are simply “bullies”. It is their way or the highway basically. I am not referring to this type of behaviour or individual in corporate or professional situations, I am talking about among friends and family. When looking at professional or corporate situations there are generally fundamental rules and systems in place, so naturally this kind of enforcement and direction makes complete sense, but when you are looking at a group of adults – be they family or friends… to my mind there should always be a line of respect which does not get crossed.

Certain people don’t seem to share that sentiment and when they feel that something is morally wrong, or does not agree with their own lifestyle choices, they voice this disapproval so strongly that it actually comes across as more of an accusation and character attack than it does as an opinion or piece of advice. This does not fly with me. Not in any way, shape nor form. At the end of the day, we may not approve of the choices which others around us make, but that does not mean that we cannot at the very least respect them. Share your opinion or concerns – sure! Nothing wrong with that… but that is where it should end (within reason obviously) – I mean if we are talking about a heroin addict that needs help – intervention may be a good thing, but even having said that – if you have stepped in several times and they continue to stray then there also needs to be a point where you say “enough is enough – the choice is yours now”.

Exceptions aside, as adults and individuals we have the right to make our own choices in this life and along with that, must be willing to accept the outcome, consequence and result of those choices. I have often gone against the flow of guidance and on many occasion paid a high price for those choices, but in the same breathe – there have been times where I have done that and been ever grateful that I did. Only we can decide whether we go left or right when presented with a fork in the road. This is our journey, nobody else’s.

And there is this amazing little thing that happens to each us on a personal level when we begin to accept that we cannot control the lives and choices of others… not only do we realise that we hold that option in the palm of our own hands too – but more importantly, we GROW as individuals. When we become more open-minded and accepting of others you will find that people afford you the same in return – for the most part anyway, but either way… it will no longer affect you on a negative level like it might have done before. When you are comfortable with where you YOURSELF stand… there is no reason to try and change those around you.