Spring has already come and the weather in the UAE is somewhat out of character lately. Seven years ago when I first arrived, there was similar weather of rain storms, flooding and cancelled classes. This year, hurricane-like weather passed through – they didn’t call it as such but what else do you call 130kph winds? – causing rain storms, flooding, closed schools and things falling to pieces?
Due to such weather on the weekend of a major conference in our profession, it was difficult to determine if professionalism would outweigh potential further weather conditions. However, enough time in the country provides experiential understanding that nothing stays the same here – from policies, construction, road names, and even the weather. For most people, the professional attitude of attending an event that our work pays for and knowing that others were depending on them caused them to overcome their fear and get out to face the effects of the tumultuous storm.
Just as the seasons can change quickly here so can the hearts of people.
It is true that in recent years I have realized more and more that I do not really understand the modern mind. The world of social media has caused social graces that I grew up believing were the norm to be thrown aside as if I am actually a hundred years older than I am. Despite this, I have maintained my strong belief in the potential of humans to be even better than they are in terms of integrity, honesty and standing firm in the people they are meant to be within our greater society. Admittedly, this leads to disappointment on my side, of my own making, as many times people are capable of equally great acts of dishonor, lies and masks to hide their truths.
For some time, I have wondered how some might respond to a test of character. Generally, I try to focus on the lamb in people and hope that gentle responses leading to positive resolutions are possible. However, when character is tested, the lions within can rear up leading to negative results. Just as a storm passes through causing irreparable damage in some areas, it can also be seen as a chance to renew, re-evaluate and grow above and beyond what was thought possible before the damage occurred. The roar of a lion may be something to be fear for some, but to me, it’s an opportunity to make room for more peaceful and positive hearts and minds.
~T 😀
