To kick off today’s episode, Tony takes us through a story about a teacher who initially misjudged one of her students and made assumptions about them before taking the time to learn about the student’s full story. He shares this story to provide an example of how our interactions and treatment of someone in the present moment can impact their future. This story serves as a reminder to how many of those in the disability community are misjudged before they’re given the opportunity to truly be seen for who they with consideration to their life circumstances.
From his life experiences, Tony has seen firsthand how everyone has their own challenges and are going through something that we may not have the privilege to yet see. Unlike the teacher, we don’t have access to their files but if we did, perhaps we could also experience enlightenment that could explain why this person may be the way they are. Though we may not have someone’s file to review prior to interacting with them, what if we just treated people with more compassion, with better communication, and with more encouragement? What if we didn’t take things so personally and reached out to find understanding? What if we had the courage to take a step beyond our own thinking? Maybe it could change the course of their future but also, our own future.
As a takeaway from today’s dojo, Tony invites you to think of all the people currently in your life who may have a backstory that you know nothing about and how you can change the way you see and interact with them. How can you interact with them better, how can you conduct yourself better in the present moment? How can you endeavor to imagine transforming yourself and perhaps even transforming them and maybe both parties will be met with unexpected success. What we do now will impact our future and the future of other people. You’ll never know how much impact we have on somebody in the present moment and how that impact will shape their future.
If you have topics you'd like for us to discuss with our community and listeners, leave a comment or contact us at cilncf.org@gmail.com! We'd love to have guests participate with Tony on our Disability Dojos- so if that person is you, reach out and let us know!
For More Information visit: Center For Independent Living of North Central Florida
