“It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart. “ – Anne Frank
It’s easy to criticize. It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives and overlook the positives in life and in others. We’re all guilty of it sometimes, aren’t we? So why is it so hard for some of us (myself included at times) to focus on the good?
Personally, I think it’s in my nature to home in on problems and see potential solutions. One of those personality tests labels me as a “refiner.” I think the results put me in the minority with regards to how I view things in general. But, merely accepting that as true can lead to even greater frustrations with others.
I’ve found, however, that if I make concerted efforts to put into practice that I believe (or at least want to believe) everyone has value, I actually “refine” myself. That way, I make it less about wanting to change someone else and more about changing me.
Trina Baughn 