Respectfully agreeing to disagree

My grandfather told me that there are 3 things as humans that it is best to keep to ourselves when having a conversation with another...can you name them? Politics...Religion...and Money...that is what he told me at least and it seems to be right on point. You might connect with certain people and organizations because your viewpoints on "PRM" are the same, you agree with many of the ideas, the history and the future, and the value of all 3. But what happens when you disagree, what happens when your viewpoints are challenged, and what happens when you just had enough? Are you strong enough to potentially look from the other side of the coin knowing your views might change...or can you respectfully agree...to disagree?

As I sit here thinking about the 29 thoughtless and horrific deaths across the US the last 2 days I wonder and question the 3 things that my grandfather told me it was best to keep to myself. Did this stem from "PRM" or is it just something that will never be able to be explained. I can not imagine the thoughts, emotions, and feelings that are going through all of those that were directly and indirectly impacted, but at what point is this all going to stop and we as strong human beings can respectfully disagree on viewpoints but still feel safe in our community as a whole.

Aristotle said, "It is a mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." Or the other quote out there is, "It is not a character flaw if I do not agree with you, and respecting my opinion does not take away from yours." There is truth behind both of those statements but it takes a great deal of maturity to be able to live by them. Can you still stand next to me as a friend knowing that we might have a different thought process, different experiences, different challenges to overcome, and respect me enough so that when I ask for help...you will give me your hand? Do you have the maturity, character, and integrity to do the right thing when no one is watching...or even more so when all eyes are on you! Are you willing to help an innocent child the same way that you "should" be willing to help the stranger that is in need of the same helping hand? Or...are your viewpoints limiting you as a human being and the positive impact that you can make on this world.

As an event planner I wear many different hats depending on the type of function. Most times I am the ringleader of the circus (have you ever felt that way), but at times I am a wedding coordinator, salesperson, janitor, AV tech, designer, construction worker, or as yesterday tasked me with a funeral director. What I can say though is that when each of those hats are worn, my relationship as a human to human does not change. Of course there may be a different feel and emotion tied to the experience but I am willing to be the best me that I can no matter the hat. That mindset is something I continue to work on daily. However, I know that is why I love the hospitality industry so much...the human to human experience. The understanding that I am putting myself around people that I might not have anything in common with, but I am willing to help in anyway possible to make their experience the best that it possibly can be. My "educated mind" as Aristotle would say allows me to entertain thoughts from many different walks of life, but still be respectfully true to myself as well as others.

As I watched people gather to celebrate the life of an individual that I never knew but have come to respect through his family it gives me hope in time of tragedy. People traveled from all across the US to pay their respects of an individual that made an impact...to some in great ways deep down within their heart, and some just the tip of the surface. Both laughter and tears were present, stories that could now be told that were always kept amongst the "fellas", and shared memories from people that had never met before but respected each other. What is hard to understand though, just as it is with the 29 deaths, is why does it have to be the loss of a life (or lives) that makes us a community come together as strangers...respectfully...or force us apart even more than before...disrespectfully?

I challenge myself (and you can do the same if you are inclined) to get back to basics and just be the best me I can be. To live by the "Golden Rule" and to live with a sense of maturity, respect, and overall care. To allow myself to agree... to disagree and just move on with life. To always have my emotions in check and my actions even more so in line with my principal self. To seek first to understand and then be understood. To live this life to the best of my ability because the future is never guaranteed...but this moment absolutely is! And no matter what hat I am wearing...and no matter what one you may have on that day...that it takes a true man of character to remember that when we leave this world...our bones left behind will look exactly the same.