All behavior is rooted in reason, even the ones we don’t like.
I think most of us have behaviors that we would rather not do. I know I do. Maybe it’s negative self talk, maybe it’s procrastination of a task until the very last minute, or maybe it’s eating more than we need.
Somehow, somewhere, there is probably a behavior that you do or see that generates a feeling of frustration and self judgment.
Right now, I am aware of 3 very different young adults, who are all acting in ways that are frustrating their parents. In each situation, there is a parent struggling to understand the actions of their child that seems selfish, or defiant, or reckless.
Viewed through the eyes of a parent, these actions are illogical, destructive and thoughtless.
If you were to ask the young adults why they are acting in this way, it is unlikely that they would be able to eloquently, concisely and specifically define the reasons behind their decisions.
But every action has a reason, and a result, and we behave in a certain way because we desire the result now, even if the long term result is not in our best interests.
For each of these young adults, their actions meet a need that they have. While that need may seem childish to the adult, to the child it feels good.
As adults we often behave the same way.
The next time you either perform or see a behavior that frustrates you, try to understand two things: why does it frustrate you, and why are they doing it.
Try to suspend judgment, because judgment will cloud your ability to see the truth. Instead, accept that there is a reason that makes sense, and try to discover it, even when you don’t like it.
The more aware you become, the greater you can be of service to the world.
-- Dr. Alan Barnes
@maddrbmusings