I honestly believe that in life, there is no way you can avoid interacting with another human being.

Humans come in all shapes and sizes, with different personalities, preferences, interests, motivations, and behaviours.

I always tell people that, “our emotions drive our actions“. How we feel about something influences the way we react or act, even in the case of non-action. Non-action does not simply mean doing nothing; it refers to consciously choosing not to do something. Therefore, the decision-making process to not take action is, in itself, an action.

The reason I decided to further my study in the area of developmental psychology is to unravel the mysteries of human behaviour at every stage of life.

The way a child acts and thinks is vastly different from how a teenager would, just as it differs from an adult or an elderly person.

At each stage of our lives, we have different needs, wants, and priorities. Some of these are shaped by our upbringing, the place where we live, our personal and family beliefs, religion, culture, and interactions with friends and other people.

If there’s one takeaway from this article, it would be that, “every story has two sides, just like a coin“. Whether you are left-brained or right-brained, left-handed or right-handed, there are varying degrees to which you lean towards one side. The ideal position is finding balance and harmony in the middle or center. Is it always possible to achieve this? Yes, but it requires time, effort, and a little bit of mindfulness i.e. being aware of your emotions and acknowledging the thoughts that arise.

Let’s consider some examples, if you’re feeling happy because you just received a promotion, you can either choose to indulge and reward yourself with a good meal, or you can choose to express gratitude to the people (colleagues, bosses, family) who made your promotion possible. If you’re feeling sad because you’ve been laid off, you can either choose to wallow in sorrow or see it as an opportunity for positive change.

Life is full of examples where our emotions and actions intersect. Understanding and embracing our humanity means recognising that there are different perspectives and choices available to us in every situation. It’s through self-awareness, empathy, and open-mindedness that we can navigate the complexities of human interaction and find the balance and harmony we seek.

Being human means acknowledging and embracing our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, as well as recognising the diversity and complexity of others. By striving for balance, practicing mindfulness, and being open to different perspectives, we can enhance our relationships, personal growth, and overall well-being. Remember, it’s all about being human.

This article is written by Melvin Lee, an accomplished education management professional with over 11 years of experience in leadership roles. With a strong academic background, he holds an EMBA (Executive Master of Business Administration) and possess relevant credentials in adult training and education, as well as career coaching. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in developmental psychology, he brings a unique perspective to understanding human behaviour at various stages of life. His expertise in education management, coupled with his passion for personal and professional development, enables him to offer valuable insights into fostering harmonious interactions. Through his thought-provoking writings, Melvin encourages readers to embrace their humanity, find balance, and navigate life’s complexities with mindfulness and empathy.