In the beginning, I made a conscious effort to stop comparing myself to other people. This was difficult to do since all of my friends were like family and I enjoyed the special bond we shared, however, it became necessary. It took getting comfortable with this fact that we are all unique and that we are all loved. We can begin to give all of ourselves to others and accept love fully.
As I began to connect more with those around me, I saw that there were differences I needed to address. This is when accepting people for who they are, without labels or judgment became an important part of my life. This isn't only for me, but for anyone who would like to accept others for who they are without comparing them to others.
There are many benefits to accepting others for who they are. One of these benefits is that it helps us to develop true empathy. When we understand the perspectives of others, we are able to give love more intensely because we no longer feel the need to put labels on those we care about. We become honest and we begin to provide true support for others in their journeys through life.
Another benefit is that accepting others brings us closer to our own inner growth. Sometimes, when we are struggling with a relationship, we may place the feelings of others above our own needs. However, when we realize that we are all interconnected and that we all have needs and desires, we are more likely to make compromises and less likely to take our relationship to the next level.
Realizing we are all one, is also linked to moving beyond the "feelings" we have about a specific individual or a situation. Instead, we can learn to release the negative "perception" of someone or a situation and move past it. There are times when we feel strongly about something and it makes us feel like we need to do something immediately. The problem is that often times that immediate action creates a feeling of pressure and conflict within us.
When we meet someone new or when we experience some pain or trauma, we often feel as if we need to do something right then and there. However, this usually only leads to more stress, even conflict and more pain. If we can learn to release our own "perception" of the situation, we will find that the other person or situation will no longer be as threatening. This does not mean that the other person or situation will not exist. But we will be more aware of them and we will have more ability to fully experience them.
Lastly, accepting others comes from honoring the dignity and worth that each person possesses. Each person was created in the image and likeness of God and as such is worthy of dignity and respect. When we treat another with dignity and respect, that person can also accept us with humility and respect. When we treat others with disregard, it often gives rise to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority which only serve to make us want to avoid others and situations that make us feel inadequate and unwanted.
Each of us was created to have a personal relationship with God and with one another. It is in accepting others that this relationship can prosper and grow. As we come into the spiritual realization that all people are one, we will also come to see that all people deserve love and respect, regardless of race, religion, sex, or disability. When we honor and accept everyone around us, we will live in peace and happiness.