We often see one side of an issue, the one we want to see. Our loyalty, conditioning, and perspective make us believe that the way we are seeing things is the right way, and probably the only right way. It is not that we may be incorrect in the way we view things, but in our bias, we often lose our objectivity and forget a fundamental truth of life – there’s always another side to it.

Often life calls upon us to take a side. It is not that we must shy away from standing by someone we care for and who needs our support or stand by something we believe in. In fact, taking a stand not only takes a lot of courage and character, but it also helps solve many disputes, and shape the future of things. It will serve us well to reflect on what it takes for us to play that role effectively.

Listening deeply makes us aware of things we either did not know or had understood differently. We may well relook at our own position if we are willing to understand before being understood. And in that listening, we will realise that there is also another side to it.

Our relationships often prevents us from being objective even when we know the person we are standing by may not be entirely right. It doesn’t mean that we don’t stand by that person, it just means we develop the ability to have honest conversations and make them realise that there is also another side to it.

We often don’t understand the other person because they probably come from a physical or emotional space we may never have experienced. It may not always be possible to walk in their shoes, but we certainly can find the empathy and ability to realise where they are coming from and realise that there is also another side to it.

The ego argues to defend itself, love listens to bridge the gap. When we stop fighting for what we are giving up, but start seeing the value of our future opportunities, we will realise that life is not about winning every battle, there is also another side to it – building a wonderful future.

When we see one side of something, we live half a life. And when we live a complete and well-balanced life by accepting that there’s always another side to it, we will discover a most beautiful thing so far hidden from us – another side to ourselves.

(Picture – United Nations Building, Geneva )