Just A Thought:

The most inspiring quote I’ve ever read comes from the late psychologist Carl Rogers.

Carl Rogers was an influential figure in psychology who worked to bring a more human touch to the field.  He wanted to see psychological professionals apply more empathy and emotional authenticity to therapy, as opposed to using the cold and detached forms of psychological analysis that dominated his time.

The essay in which this quote is found reflects on what helped Rogers communicate well with others.  Rogers writes mainly about the attitudes he has brought to certain situations and whether or not those attitudes facilitated good communication.

Although the quote discusses a certain attitude as he applies it to people, I have found that this is a beautiful attitude to bring to every aspect of life. When I can relate to life with this attitude, I am much more peaceful in the face of adversity and much more grateful for the good things in life.

To the quote:

“One of the most satisfying feelings I know — and also one of the most growth-promoting experiences for the other person — comes from my appreciating this individual in the same way that I appreciate a sunset.  

 

People are just as wonderful as sunsets if I can let them be.  

 

In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it.  When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.’  I don’t do that.  I don’t try to control a sunset.  I watch it with awe as it unfolds.  I like myself best when I can appreciate my staff member, my son, my daughter, my grandchildren, in this same way.”— Carl Rogers

Life gets a lot easier when we can just let things be.