the recognition of the other
often tells us more about ourselves
than the person we see.

perhaps in the other we see strength –

• strength to endure, to produce, to protest, to protect, to reach.
• strength that we once had but lost
• strength that seems to evade us
• strength that is actually a good friend – but is also one that other people don’t seem to know you have
• strength that we would love to be introduced to, but is far too popular to meet us.

perhaps in the other we see weakness – perceived or present

• weakness that we too are friends with
• weakness that we try to obscure, camouflage or deflect away – faults that we cannot seem to shake, no matter the lessons we endure

perhaps in the other we see greatness

• greatness that is fed by a passion and cause
• greatness that inspires relationship, gathers prosperity, influence and change
• greatness that is the peace of wisdom, birthed of experience and consideration
• greatness that sounds so sweet – but is overwhelming in its lack of a user manual or a sign that says “start here”

In strength, weakness, greatness

– in these and in all parts of us, in recognising these in the other, perhaps what we are simply doing in recognition is seeing this divine people project for what it is –

humanity.

we have the privilege of being the same as and the different to – the other.

Thus if you are given the gift of recognising yourself in the other – even if it is more of what you lack than in surplus – cherish the gift of insight.

we owe it to the world to be reflective.

ie why are you [inspired? encouraged? scared? hurt? offended?] by this meeting, this person, this aspect of you?

this is where the work is done, and the good fruit is produced.

likewise, if you are given the gift of recognising moments, encouragement, insight, strength, comfort, in the other,

speak it.

practice the art of encouragement – to give courage –

even if it feels awkward

even if you feel vulnerable and stupid.

we often can see things in the other that are obscured in our own reflection – and that we need the other to voice back to us.

celebrate recognition, friends.

being seen is one of the greatest gifts & unsung needs of life.