Assignment 19 – Dilni Abeyrathne

Advice comes and goes, some are astounding, others disappointing, but sometimes there is a piece of advice we would cherish for the rest of our lives: the diamond of advice, the keystone of the arch.

             I’ve received much advice throughout my life, from family, friends, and other sources. Some have been fleeting, but one shines brighter than all the other—a gem of my life. That piece of advice is to always think of others’ perspectives, “Walk a mile in another’s shoes,” if you will. Perhaps it seems too common, too cliché, but for me, it serves as a keystone for the arch of my life—a support that never wavers.

             Too often, we dismiss others’ perspectives in favor of ours, so we never truly understand where another is coming from, or what causes them to say or do certain things. We are also too quick to judge. Perhaps you have judged someone based on what they wore a certain day, or their behavior at a certain place. Don’t deny it—we have all done it at some point in our lives, unwittingly or not. This type of behavior, one that doesn’t take account of another’s perspective, lends fuel to the roaring fire of misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and other negative emotions.

              I have always been one to take caution in how I treat others. I do not want to hurt them nor cause them undue stress. As such, this piece of advice, given to me at an early age, greatly aided me in my actions and words to others. I found that thinking in another’s perspective allowed me much understanding as to the reason for their behavior and words. I try to employ that advice as often as I can, as it eases my mind in reflection of my actions. Most days, I find myself contemplating this advice and how it has affected me thus. The answer is not definite; it is more like the soft, swirling forms of clouds in the sky, never in one shape for long.

To walk in another’s shoes remains an integral part of my life, a true gem of advice. I understand that sometimes it is hard to think in another’s perspective when you feel wronged or you feel that they do not deserve it. But, from what I have learned, keeping others’ perspectives in mind paves the way for a much brighter and understanding life.