The past two weeks were most inspiring regarding this topic. I encountered several examples both in my private and in my work life in many ways.
There is a natural need within us that we want to be understood. We want to feel accepted for who we are and that means that people need to be able to see who we are. Oh, how can we be misunderstood when we are doing something out of a reflex due to our experiences of our past? As we ourselves do, others look out of their own eyes too with their own experiences in their mind storage. What they see, they put in relation to their own mindset. If a particular person means a lot to us or they play an important role in our lives, of course, we should let them know in order that misunderstandings cannot build a wall. If there is one misunderstanding that is not clarified many others can accumulate until one day that wall separates both totally.
Exchanging is a very important point in relationships. Staying in touch with each other also means sharing feelings about happenings and daily situations. It means, letting the other one be part of my own life, of my emotions, about what makes me happy and sad, about my dreams and visions. It means being part of another person’s life and being invited to their thoughts and dreams too. It is wonderful to share the same dream. And if not then at least both understand why because they told each other! I even see it as a sign of respect and a way of caring for one another. Because I too want to know how the other one is doing, where they are going and developing. Then I feel like a fully accepted and integrated part of the other person. And I want the other one to feel the same way. It is a wonderful feeling to be so much part of one another. Yes, it makes feeling important.
And that can be that crucial point. This feeling should not become a driving force. When one gets dependent on the other one’s attention, the vicious circle starts. There may be situations when one simply cannot or doesn’t want to understand. Then at one point, we need to stop explaining. Otherwise, we risk falling into that dependency on the other one’s approval. Both people are not on the same level anymore: There is the one who refuses to understand and the other one who desperately wants to be understood. The second one may start to identify their value with being seen. No matter what kind of relationship that is… it is not healthy and this too builds up a wall over time.
I know how easy it is to slip into that justify mode. I lived it for decades. It was coupled with my self-esteem and the value I felt for myself. Then the line appears even thinner between exchanging and falling into that dependency to be understood in order to survive. But no matter how your openness was treated in the past. Keep sharing your world with the people you consider important or with the ones who need to know more about you in order to get your person better (like in a new job). But whether they understand or not – in the end, it is up to them. When you shared the information, your job is done. There isn’t anymore. You are amazing the way you are! I that is not appreciated… send them love and stop explaining!
In Love and Light
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Thank you for sharing your insight, Erika. There is so much truth in your words that everyone can benefit from. Hope all is well with you! xo
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Hi, Kelly! Thanks for stopping by. So lovely of you. Yes, all is very well. Hope you are doing fine too, dear! 💖
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I can’t complain! Hope you have a lovely week! xo
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That sounds good. Have a wonderful week too, Kelly 💖
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Thank you, my friend! 🙂
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💖
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Great post. The Greeks have a great word called “thumos” which means seeking recognition and belonging. We want to belong to something, whether it be a gaming group, a band, a chess club, a book club or close knit blogging community like the one you enable. The recognition part is key, as folks want to be noticed. Not noticing may be the worst offense. I appreciate what you do with your dot connecting and know it takes time to do such. It is noticed. Keith
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See… again, you have such fantastic adds and things to share. It is always a pleasure to have you commenting, Keith. It is so true. Humans are made for living in groups and that is why we want to belong somewhere which again forces the need to be accepted. And yes, we want to be recognized. I think that is one of the secrets about blogging. We are sharing our worlds more or less freely and we are appreciated for that. It would really be cool having a chat with you over a coffee!
And thank you very much, Keith!
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Next time you come to America, we can pour you a cup. Need to venture to North Carolina. Of course, I need to venture your way sometime.
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I will let you know for sure when I am in your area! It looks that the Blogger Bash next year will happen. So, perhaps we could even raise our cups there 😄
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Wonderful post Erika! Something to truly think about and learn!
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Yep, I really think so! I could imagine that resonates with you …. your past you!!!
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Yes
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💖
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This is a great post EriKa. You are so right, we need to understand as well as be understood, even if it something that we don’t necessarily believe in ourselves.
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Oh, yes, Sis! We need to learn to be steadfast within ourselves when even the rest of the world is not interested in our person!
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Very true! Justification shouldn’t be necessary.
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Right, in the end it is of no use anyway. If someone wants to understand they look deeper in the first place already! Thank you, Marissa!
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Many truths in your thoughts today, Erika. We have been together now for over 45 years, and we still come to new understandings of each other. Every day. ☺
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This is so very wonderful! To me this is what true love is about. Getting to know each other deeper and deeper and grow from that in order to again open new spaces within each other! Thank you for sharing this! Sharing your inner world with each other is the foundation of a solid relationship!
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Great post Erika, I need to take the meaning to heart 🙂
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Something we all get caught in at times. It is important to remember that whether we are understood or not, we are ok and that it needs two who are willing! Right? 😉
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I know what you’re saying and I agree… 🙂
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😉 ✋
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🙂
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😊
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💖💖
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Thanks, Erika. I love the Zen proverb. So true
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That proverb is one of my favotites. It is so profound and calms the mind! Thank you, Olga!
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Thank u so much for this
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I am humbled you said that! Thank you, Claire! You don’t need to explain yourself. If they cannot understand or see, they need to clean their lenses and ears first! 💖
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