The Power of Perspective Affirmations

Not only is it beneficial to consider another’s perspective, it is also significant when you accept and affirm it. This can transform the moment and your relationship.

It really hit home when it happened to me, “just the other day”. 

My husband, Tom, and I have been riding a scooter for the past 7 years. It has over 14,000 miles on it. We use it as our second car. I have always ridden behind him when we are together.  

As on many other trips, recently we were driving into downtown Santa Cruz. Our main access road is on Broadway. This time was different. Even though Tom was sticking to the speed limit, driving down the center of our lane, I felt those bumps. Not speed bumps, just bumps due to previous construction work. They were jarring. When I commented on them, Tom acknowledged how I would feel them more than he because I was sitting over the back tire. 

I felt affirmed. He understood and confirmed my point of view, different than his, while I sat only inches behind him. 

It doesn’t take much to affirm others. Although, we may not understand someone else’s outlook or experience, we can simply acknowledge it. It doesn’t mean that we agree. And the other person experiences being heard, being seen.

Take a moment to reflect on when and how you affirm others and respect each other’s perspective. Experience hands on activities through the Conflict Resolution Fundamentals course. Check it out: http://learn.kidpower.org/course/conflict-resolution-pathways

Questions? Contact me: pathways2tlc@gmail.com 

Connect with Facebook: @tlcpathways

LinkedIn: Maryse L Postlewaite