Some phrase-starters we often hear about absent-minded learners are: “Why can’t he just…?”, “I wish he would figure out…”, “I can’t seem to make her change…”, “If only she would…” Have you ever uttered a similar phrase about someone you know? I think we all have, and these phrases can be hard on relationships. So, what is the first step in coping with someone who is absent-minded? Remind yourself that you can’t change other people. I know. It’s a tough one. But no matter how much we want to, how much easier life would be, or how right we are, we still can’t change other people. Darn it.
On the other hand, we can offer our children, significant other, colleagues, and friends the gift of acceptance. How wonderful to feel accepted despite our quirks and foibles! What a relief to know that different isn’t wrong when it comes to how we process information and organize our lives. Different is just… different. Acceptance shows that you acknowledge differences and appreciate each other’s strengths. After all, if we were all good at the same things, we’d be bored to tears!
