65. To better understand we must walk in our neighbour's shoes.

First Nations people first used the expression to suggest that you must walk a mile in the other man's moccasins to really understand their journey. This admonition to walk a mile in someone else's shoes means before judging someone, you must understand his experiences, challenges, thought processes, etc. It is a reminder to practise empathy and not make assumptions.

I don't read a lot of biographies or autobiographies, but when I do, I am always surprised by all of the details and experiences that you are exposed to for the first time. I recall reading Andres Agassi's autobiography that chronicled the life of the former number one ranked tennis player and the winner of seven Grand Slam tennis events. Although his prowess led to fame and fortune, his book revealed that he "hated" playing tennis because of how his father had forced him into the sport from childhood. While the public's perception was that he was a superstar, his feelings were far different. Who would have guessed?

I know that we can all recall stories of other rich and famous individuals who seemed to achieve public recognition and adulation and yet they lived a life far less glamorous or enjoyable. We often make assumptions or judgements by only looking at the end product or results. It is the experiences they encounter along their journey that we generally are unaware of or misinterpret. 

On a personal level, how often have we heard people scoff at the easy life that teachers have? They only work ten months, get two months off every summer and are finished work at 3 o'clock every day. My rebuttal to those who "know" how easy teachers have it is to remind them that all they have to do to enter this dream profession is to take a simple four-year degree in education and join the good life. Strangely, no one has ever accepted the offer. 

Most people who have been successful have had to follow a path with many obstacles that had to be overcome. Their journey is not the source of envy, only the final result. Learn to practise empathy!