This week’s hot topic is all about being considerate of others in the way that we live. I see this as part of conscious living which is an area that’s been a focus for me for probably over a decade. Once I started to read Dr. John Maxwell’s material in which he talks about becoming the person that we chose to be, (which for me is one of the biggest bonuses of personal development) my eyes started to open.
So just what is the payoff of being considerate of others?
I realised that I had a long way to go in this department once I began to read and listen to resources created by those who take being considerate to a whole new level. And the more I learn – the more I spot these acts of kindness, patience, grace and thoughtfulness in those I encounter each and every day.
Someone who excels in being mindful of others is my husband Chris. For those of you who know him, he is just an absolute master of this and shows me in the way he chooses to be every single day, which is pretty humbling. It’s interesting too because you’ll see in the reference in this week’s blog 1 that it’s not just something that has us feel good.
It can have extraordinary effects in our lives not only for us – also in the way that it can end up paying forward in our lives. For example, we didn’t have kids ourselves – however for us, it’s a real privilege to have 8 nieces and nephews. This gives us the opportunity to really be thinking about the next generation and who we’re choosing to be, and the way this may have an influence – and even though we’re obviously not the parents of these kids (actually! many of them are young adults now!) I believe it’s an example of an opportunity for the ripple effect, or the butterfly effect, to be in action.
According to Travis Bradberry, “Being considerate of others is certainly a good career move, but it’s also good for your health. When you show consideration for others, the brain’s reward center is triggered, which elevates the feel-good chemicals dopamine, oxytocin, and endogenous opioids”
“This gives you a great feeling, which is similar to what’s known as ‘runner’s high,’ and all that oxytocin is good for your heart.” A hiker’s high in my case.1
And a beautiful quote from Marian Wright Edelman that could fit in well here – “Being considerate of others will take you further in life than any college or professional degree.”
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this hot topic and as always, I’m looking forward to seeing you on this week’s #AlivewithFi. Have a great week ahead! 🙂
1 Being thoughtful towards others can have multiple benefits, including stimulating our brain’s reward center, so elevating the chemicals dopamine, oxytocin, and endogenous opioids. Check out the scoop in this article –
“Being considerate of others is a good career move, but how practical is it?”
T.Bradberry (2016)
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., is The LifeStyle Aligner. She’s an experienced practitioner since 1992 in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified Osteopath, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, speaker, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, and Health Brand Ambassador.
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