Last week I had a powerful and illuminating experience when my wife Michelle was away for the whole week. I got to spend time with my girls and solo parent which was fun, challenging, beautiful, interesting, and a great exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes – which allowed me to have an even deeper level of appreciation for Michelle.
In this week’s video message, I talk about my experience from last week and also look at the importance of us being able to “walk in other people’s shoes” (literally or figuratively) and how it can allow us to understand and appreciate them (and ourselves) in an even deeper way.
Feel free to leave a comment about how it relates to you (or any questions you have) here on my blog.
Jackie Petersen says
I just love all of your talks…..loved your book (Focus on the good stuff)…….I saw you in San Diego years ago at a Lawson Conference. It was one of the most motivating seminar that I had been to in a long time.
I am now retired and this one especially related to a lot of people that I have in my life….when friends & family come to me with issues about others…..I always tell them to respect what choices others make……they are their choices, as yours are yours. Sometime it is hard for people to just respect what other people decide to do and say in their lives.
Your talk today sort of blends in with what I tell them. Thank you so much….I enjoy you very much!!
Have a very Merry Christmas and as healthy New Year!!
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Jackie – I appreciate your kind words and also your insight!
Michele Mariscal says
Thanks Mike! This is a great holiday gift – a reminder to find ourselves in another. Merry Holidays and Happy Joys to you and your family!! Michele
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Michele – happy holidays to you!
Norma Miller says
You are a blessing Mike, this needs to reach all of us, then what a wonderful world it would be. Thanks Mike I loved it. Blessings to you and the family. Norma
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Norma
Francine Huss says
Mike – excellent video. Thank you for the reminder that is before us every day, as a door left ajar inviting us to step through it. I will be mindful today of walking in other people’s shoes.
Happy Holidays! Francine
Mike Robbins says
You are welcome Francine – glad this video spoke to you!
Bob Burns says
I’ll never forget the time when my wife went back to work as a nurse, working the 3-11 p.m. shift at our local hospital. Our boys were about four years old and one and a half, respectively. I had alot of autonomy back then so I took over as primary caregiver when she left for work. The first couple of “baby sitting” shifts were wild, for me. Those little guys required so much time and attention! I was exhausted when my wife came home at about mid-night. I told her something to the effect: “I don’t think I can do this!” She looked at me with amusement and replied: “I do it every day!” My respect for those who care for children full time went up immensely after that. Thanks for the reminder of how important it is to try to walk in the other’s moccasins from time to time. Keep up the good work of encouraging us, Mike. I appreciate you and your work.
Mike Robbins says
I hear you Bob…incredible what they do…so much to appreciate and be in awe of
Harriet Tubman Wright says
Well thanks for giving big props to your wife and sharing your learning as a result of being a full-time care-taker. I’m a proponent of self-care as self-love, meaning when we take care of ourselves first, we’re better able to serve and support others. Those special time-outs to refresh and renew ourselves are very necessary. So, yes lessons from living life from another person’s perspective can be most illuminating and rewarding! Happy Holidays to you and your family.
And I like that you’re mixing it up with the blogs, vlogs, etc.
Mike Robbins says
Harriet – you are welcome! My wife is a rock star and it is wonderful to be able to appreciate her at an even deeper level. And, yes, self care is an important aspect of self love! Happy Holidays!
Maliha says
Great video. My only question is , what about myself being an empathetic person isn’t enough? In relationships, often times one person is more emphathetic then the other and I keep finding myself having all this patience and empathy yet no real acknowledgment for it.
It gets exhausting to put yourself in other people’s shoe sometimes and when there is no real appreciation, you wonder if its time to hit the brakes and move on.
Would you say one can be more appreciative for other people being empathetic.
Maybe the other person doesn’t see it as empathy? Because you don’t constantly mention you are being empathetic, you just do it.
This is a tough one Mike!
Thanks for shedding light though, happy holidays to you and your family!
Maliha
Mike Robbins says
Maliha,
Thank you for your post and question. “Walking in other people’s shoes” is a lot about having empathy and awareness for them. Not feeling appreciated by other people is a separate issue…if that is the case, there are probably some authentic and vulnerable conversations to have with them about that. Too often we simply focus on our own experience, what’s in it for us, or how things impact us, without genuinely putting ourselves in their shoes. However, if you feel like you are doing that too much and others are not doing that with you, there may be some things that would be important for you to say, ask for, and/or some boundaries for you to create.
Thanks,
Mike
Ann Moore says
Mike
Happy New Year my friend. I am in Hawaii on a little holiday with my brother Michael whom I absolutely adore. I had some time this afternoon to sit and watch note only this video but a couple of your others while bro napped. I am very happy I took the time to. The boost of your words are always welcome and treasured.
Thank you again for doing what you do and in a way that you always lift my spirits. Your a true and lovely person that I am proud to know and share with.
Happy 2014
Aloha,
Ann