One of the distinct pleasures of the last 6 weeks off Instagram was a 3 day silent retreat. It was so delightful to just get away from the pressures of daily life and enjoy some quiet time in prayer and personal reflection.
Something incredible happens when we switch off – our heart, mind and devices – from the outside world, and just draw inward. We reconnect with what really matters to us and we learn (or relearn) where our priorities need to lie.
I’ve never been one to care what others think about me and my choices, but I absolutely do care about maintaining friendships and while it’s one thing to disagree with one another, it’s something else entirely to let that difference of opinion damage relationships.
People make choices and form opinions based on a plethora of resources, information, ideas and experiences.
Having someone agree with you does not validate your opinion. It merely suggests that you have perhaps read similar things or had similar experiences.
Having someone disagree with you doesn’t invalidate your opinion either.
Note to self in April 2022: in a time of intense social friction, let go of the idea that people always need to agree with you. Be content with difference of opinion.
