Learning to Set Aside My Values to Help Others
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how my personal values and emotions can sometimes get in the way when I’m trying to support someone. There are times when another person’s choices might conflict with my own past experiences or beliefs, making it difficult for me to offer the kind of help they need. It’s natural to want to offer advice based on what we know or have been through, but I’m learning that sometimes this approach isn’t the most helpful for the person in front of us. What I’ve come to realize is that when I’m triggered by someone else’s situation, it’s important to take a step back. I need to separate my own feelings from theirs and focus on what is genuinely best for them, not just how I feel about the situation. This can be hard when my own experiences cloud my judgment, but by practicing self-awareness, I’m able to make space for their needs, even if it’s uncomfortable for me. It’s becoming clear to me that helping someone isn’t about imposing my own values or making decisio...