20. Consideration
June 5th, 2008 by Bruce M
Everybody my friend, everybody lives for something better to come. That’s why we want to be considerate of every man.–Who knows what is in him? Why was he born and what can he do?–Maxim Gorky (The Lower Depths)
defined as:
1 : marked by or given to careful consideration : circumspect 2 : thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others..
In my work and especially in my interactions with others in recovery, and the general public, I come into contact with a large range of different types of people. These people have a diverse range of views, aspirations, expectations and behavior. It is vitally important that I extend and demonstrate respect for others in all my communications and interactions. In return, I hope for the same treatment and dignity from others. The positive relationships I build with others both inside and outside the rooms influences how well I achieve my individual work goals and my over all objectives in my recovery. My daily interactions with others reflects how I represent my gratitude for being clean. It is therefore important to my individual and collective reputation that I conduct my relationships in a respectful way. I have a special responsibility in providing an appropriate role model for those who are new to recovery especially. I want to be a positive influence on a new comers personal and social development. I can demonstrate respect for people by including them in decision making, informing people that they have a voice that needs to be heard. That they too have rights, entitlements and responsibilities. I need to be mindful of the need to respect the privacy and confidentiality of information I hold about people. When I am considerate towards others there are many obligations that come with that act. I try to treat all people with dignity, courtesy, honesty, fairness and respect at all times. I try to be sensitive to an individual’s cultural and ethnic background. I can only respond to reasonable requests, but if I commit to do something for someone, I do it in a helpful, courteous and timely manner. I try to involve myself in activities that do not adversely affect the rights or interests of others. In these kinds of matters it is important for me to be fair, reasonable, honest, and impartial. I try to avoid offensive, abusive and discriminatory language and behavior. These may sound like lofty standards I have placed on myself. But I believe I need to have something bigger than myself, to try and line up to. Here are a few I am working on today as it relates to consideration for others and myself. 1.) Respecting the dignity, rights and views of others 2.) Listening to and seeking to understand different points of view (this does not necessarily mean agreeing with the point of view). 3.) respecting cultural, ethnic and religious differences. 4.) Being courteous, sensitive, and honest in communications, and being open-minded to the needs of others. 5.) Working cooperatively and collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. 6.) Be less judgmental, and more supporting of the personal and professional development of others. These are the most common ones for me and I strive to be a more considerate person today. I am so glad this is about progress and not perfection. Pray for me!!!
Love and Respect, Bruce M.
Tags: deliberation, thoughtful
