“If you can’t see two extremes from where you’re standing then you are at one of them.” Proverb from Bill Pritchett
I grew up hearing this proverb. When I presented a complaint of a conflict to my Dad, he would say calmly, “Well, can you see two extremes from where your standing (or sitting)?” I hated it at the time because it would cause me to check my reactions and contributions to the issues at hand.
A fond memory of childhood is the banter at the dinner table. Mom was very strict about everyone sitting down to eat together at least once a day. The food was yummy and the conversation “punny.” That was what Dad called himself as he looked for fun word combinations that made us laugh. As I became a teenager, I would roll my eyes and try not to laugh. Still, it was fun.
I made it a habit to call Dad every day after Mom moved to Heaven. Often, the first words out of his mouth after our greetings were, “I’ve been trying to come up with a new proverb.” He would try out new words combinations.
This is one of Dad’s favorite proverbs. He had many words of wisdom and was constantly trying out new witty word combinations. They were so much a part of our lives that I don’t remember when I first heard this profound statement.
Longevity Secret #2:
When faced with a conflict seek to find the perspective of the other person. Stay balanced by remaining flexible in your stance on issues.
This post is part of the Write 31 Days 2019 challenge. Click here to find more longevity secrets.
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. As a caregiver and widow she took brave steps forward to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has now remarried and enjoys her new hubby and spending time with their children and grandchildren. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.
