
Sometimes things take us by surprise. We think we know people or situations so well and then our world is turned upside down.
Maybe we even think we know ourselves and then through a series of events, we surprise ourselves with what we’re capable of. For me, gymnastics is one of the many areas of my life that has shown me I’m capable of so much more than I give myself credit for.
And I’d venture to say, the same way we sell ourselves short, we often do the same to others unintentionally. We see the person in front of us, and think that’s all there is to them. We dismiss people based on first impressions or because of things we’ve heard. Yet, we never give them the chance to prove us wrong.
I don’t know about you reader, but recently, I’m really enjoying being proven wrong and discovering I’m capable of more than I imagined. I’m enjoying finding out people are so much more interesting than I gave them credit for and I’m enjoying being humbled by the fact I don’t know it all.
For the first time in a while, I’m seeing things from a new perspective and for the first time, possibly ever, I don’t mind discovering that I’ve been so wrong.
People are worth giving a chance. People are worth the investment of time it takes to discover what makes them tick, what makes them light up, and what breaks their heart.
Making the effort to really get to know people has given me a new perspective into the world around me and myself. I’ve learned things about myself that I never recognized and I’ve become a better person through those moments of self-realization. But had I not opened my heart to getting to know people who might be different than me or have different perspectives than I do, I’d be missing out on so much.
Give people a chance, reader. You never know when you might be pleasantly surprised and amazed at what you’ll find.
<3
Manda
TheFallibleQueen
October 16, 2016I’m learning this myself and it’s a blessing to discover more about a person than you ever realized.
happilyme23
October 16, 2016Yes!! I agree completely.
Enjoyfreebies
October 16, 2016I’m a super social person and I love being surrounded by people and making new friends. But it’s one thing to see these people in your typical social settings like work, and another to really get to know them. That is why I’m so grateful for social media! It allows us to connect from anywhere and see just what everyone is into.
happilyme23
October 16, 2016So true! Love how you put that.
cvnxena
October 16, 2016I think when you have been hurt before it is definitely hard to become invested in people again but I totally agree there are some people who are definitely worth it!
happilyme23
October 16, 2016I think we all have those moments where we feel fed up with people as a whole, after being hurt. You’re right though, there are definitely people who are worth investing in still. 🙂
rosepetalsinthesea
October 17, 2016I’m in the same boat as cvnxena, but I totally agree with you as well! There are people out there that are truly worth getting to know. – HilLesha
Kenzie Brooks
October 17, 2016You never know when you are about to meet someone incredible!
Debra
October 17, 2016I love this so much! I tend to error on the side of not giving people a chance and I really need to change that!
Cynthia @craftoflaughter
October 17, 2016I think we all tend to have tunnel vision walking throughout the day. We need to open our eyes and hearts and explore all the surprises around us!
Terri Steffes
October 17, 2016People are incredibly layered. It is important to get to know all the layers before making any kind of judgment or opinion about someone. Keep your heart open.
Kim
October 17, 2016Digging deeper to find those inner qualities is important. You need to look past the shell and see the inner character.
DadGoesRound
October 17, 2016I think the key is to always assume we don’t know it all and that we can learn something new from every person we meet.
Stephanie
October 17, 2016Lovely article. I love that you mention gymnastics. Sports can really push us to learn more about ourselves and what we’re capable of. And that definitely includes being open to others!
tahneerose
October 17, 2016I am at times a huge introvert and often in my own head about things. When meeting knew people sometimes it doesn’t even phase me and then I ask why i don’t know many people! Oh its my fault lol
Jeanine
October 17, 2016This is great. I have a very hard time trusting and giving people a chance. I’ve always had a hard time, and now it just doesn’t get any easier. People can be hard to read and get to know, so I’ve never been very open. I need to change that.
tiarasandheels
October 17, 2016I like being pleasantly surprised by people that you wouldn’t think you can click with. Making friends that are genuinely good people can be hard but they are out there!
taylorannes95
October 17, 2016I don’t really go out and meet new people (it is my last semester of college) and I already have all my friends. But it is nice to find a person every now and again that you click with!
samanthalaycock22
October 17, 2016I think this is a lesson most of us will learn eventually!!
carefreespiritfairy
October 17, 2016You made some very good points there. I love venturing out of my comfort zone from time to time. I discovered some amazing things because of that.
Amanda Love
October 18, 2016Opening up to others is not always easy but it’s also not impossible. I am very selective when it comes to people to trust. But you’re right, we find friends in the most unexpected places!
The Perfect Storm (@perfectstormbff)
October 18, 2016I find that the more I give people a chance and the more I reserve judgement the more people surprise me. That’s how I’ve ended up with some great friends 🙂
Dawn McAlexander
October 18, 2016It is good to find out that all the preconceived notions that you have about someone are wrong, at least when they are a much better person than what you have been led to believe.
momentousmom
October 19, 2016I have a very hard time openinf up to people but I love meeting new people. Kind of strange I know. Getting to know what makes people tick is always fun for me and I think it’s very important to always push outside your comfort zone.
Michael Kennerson
October 20, 2016I love the way you write, it really drew me in to your post…
Nicole @ AlwaysReiding
November 6, 2016Yes, exactly! I really enjoyed this post. I’m good with people and I like thinking the best of them. It has led to some hurt, but way more awesomeness. Thanks for sharing!