The sun is dazzling in its brilliance as it lights up the day. At the other end of the day, the moon hides itself partially and makes a magnificent entrance, for a brief moment, during the middle of the month. Indeed, both the sun and the moon are two heavenly spheres at which we marvel. Each operating in its own space and its own time while being the light, within its ability and space. Their importance is not diminished in any way.
The likeliness of humans to each other is apparent, yet humans can be as different as the great multitude of stars. The stars, for all its brilliance, at times seem to prefer being in as cluster while yet others almost look lost in the big dark sky. People differ on many things from language to eating habits to opinions and beliefs. There is a trait common to people but used in opposite ways at times. Humans are social beings. Sometimes people feel excluded from groups, even family. The members of this group expect everyone to fit in while there is no effort to promote inclusivity. There is no blame because many groups, such as a social group of schoolfriends, are constituted merely by affiliation with no set of written rules. Then, there is that quiet one who does not quite fit or the one who seeks attention, non-stop, because he feels the need to try to fit in. The opposite is also true that someone who is content to be the “lone ranger”, does not react well when forced to try to fit in. Boundaries must be respected. It is important to be inclusive as widely as possible, with the knowledge that not everyone can always be included in a group. For many, there is a small difference between forcing someone to do something and encouraging someone to do something. On both, the inviting and the pushing, the emphasis must be on encouragement and not to cause someone to act beyond their relative comfort zone. I say this, not to promote comfort zones, but there is a need to coach someone in a way that achieves the required results for all concerned. The most important person, in this scenario, is the person being coached.
It is worrisome that someone can be forced into a situation where the expectations are too high or, perhaps, the environment is toxic. This person needs help and, most likely, the group environment may not be ideal. Every situation differs and blanket counselling is not to be used without consultation. Nevertheless, be a friend to such a person and seek professional help as the situation may determine.
Day and night are not opposites but each has it place and time. The stars shine brightly, even when alone in the seemingly dark night. Encourage the lone ranger. Trim the tree but never disturb the roots.
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