Humans are naturally self-centered. We have to be to survive. But as we evolve, there is a shift in our consciousness and we feel a need to connect. Even with this desire to connect, it’s just our human nature to be most effected by the things that occur close to us. I like to call it the 2-ft box rule.
If something doesn’t have a direct impact on your life, you are going to be less likely to care about it. For example, if someone in your life has experienced breast cancer, you are going to be far more passionate about finding a cure for it. If not, it doesn’t mean that you don’t care about it, but you will be less likely to go out and walk to raise money for it or discuss it when the topic comes up. So if you have a large number of friends and acquaintances, you are more likely to know someone that has impacted your perception of breast cancer. The same can be applied to many societal issues – gun violence, LGBTQ rights, immigration, minimum wage, diverse religious beliefs, etc.
So if someone leads a very restricted life – has the same job, goes to the same church, never travels, rarely reads, watches the same news show, always does the same things, rarely talks to strangers, etc., how can they have any type of perspective of how the world really is? If that 2-ft box isn’t getting out and about, then not much is going to be getting inside of it and into the mind of that person. I’m sure you know people like this. It’s tempting to quickly judge them, but they are only working from what they have experienced.
So how can you make sure that you are not one of those people? Get out there; explore more! If you can travel, do it! See other cultures. Talk to people about their lives. Smile at strangers and start conversations. Volunteer around your city. Research new things on the internet. Go to a new restaurant or an event you wouldn’t normally attend. Set a goal to read more books, or blogs, or magazines, or diverse news sites. Watch some documentaries. Even if something is different from what you believe or experience, it’s important to know about it so you gain perspective. Too much division and conflict has come from a lack of perspective.
I’ve been blessed to have worked in marketing, traveled the world, and love to research diverse topics. I’ve spoken with people of all religions, sexual orientations, ages, economic classes, educational levels, political viewpoints, ethnic groups, and mental states. From the homeless man to the Senator, there is a gift inside everyone. Making that connection, even for a brief moment, helps increase your perception. And when you have a broad perception of the world, you will see it truly is a beautiful place, and we are more alike than different. Everyone is looking for happiness, and it’s much easier to find when you get out there and explore more.
In the words of Michelle Obama – “it’s a lot harder to hate what’s right in front of you.” Share your story with people. Listen to the people around you. Invite someone to try something new. Get out of your comfort zone from time to time, and watch the world unfold before your eyes. You might just discover a whole new you emerges.
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