Recently I saw a post making its way around on Facebook that read “Blowing out someone else’s candle won’t make yours shine brighter. Remember that.” 

What a simple yet powerful lesson that conveys.

Whether on social media or in social circles, people far too often tear down other people or the things they are supporting. 

I totally understand not agreeing with someone. Trust me there are plenty of things in this world with which I don’t agree. I truly believe there is a time and a manner in which things like this should be shared.

What’s so great about our country is that we are blessed to be able to hold competing beliefs and still live side by side. 

I want my kids to grow up knowing that what they believe is just as important as what their neighbor believes. The ability to have their own beliefs is just as important as to respect the beliefs of others even if they don’t agree. 

There are always exceptions to the rule, but this concept should widely hold true.

In this world, there will be things that they disagree with for a variety of reasons. I want them to know it is important to stand up for things they feel strongly about, but the manner in which they ‘stand up’ is important. 

Tearing someone down is never acceptable. 

Showing what you believe by how you live and setting a good example speaks volumes about you as a person. I also hope that they know that an educated discussion will yield much better results, potentially including mutual understanding, versus a tirade or a rant.

You never know the impact words will have on a person. 

The old adage of ‘putting yourself in someone else’s shoes’ is definitely a wise rule to live by. I hope that my kids will grow up knowing the impact that things they say can have and that they choose to foster communication rather than division. Will they mess up? Of course. Do I mess up? On a daily basis. 

It is definitely not an easy task to do, but the world will be a better place if we work towards this concept.