The Story You Don’t Know: Extending Grace Without Accepting Behavior [episode 61]
Listen to The Story You Don’t Know: Extending Grace Without Accepting Behavior on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | your platform of choice
A few winters ago, I was driving across Wyoming to speak at the Stock Growers Conference. The interstate was icy; they had gotten some snow, and it was super windy. I would say I was driving like a grandma, but I know that’s kind of insulting to grandmas! Basically, I was driving at a snail’s pace, and the people behind me were NOT happy (to say the least).
Even though I only got flipped off a couple of times (that I know of), those frustrated drivers didn’t realize what happened the last time I drove down this icy highway. Previously, my family and I spun off the road (while I was driving), and by the grace of God, we somehow stayed upright!
It was an experience I will never forget; it also reminded me why it’s VITAL that we extend grace more often, even without knowing the full story.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about extending grace without accepting behavior. It’s a universal truth that everyone has a reason for their actions – there is ALWAYS a why behind a behavior. Even when we don’t know the whole truth (and we may never), we can choose to extend more grace.
And no, that doesn’t mean we have to accept or condone behavior that is harmful! You don’t have to necessarily agree with the other person’s behavior, but you can choose to pause and show compassionate curiosity and grace toward them.
Grace opens the door and creates an opportunity for light to shine in. Grace builds space for healthier and more compassionate relationships to grow. Yes, grace is incredibly important!
My challenge for you is to look for that story that you *might* have missed. Even if you can’t find it, please know that there IS a story you don’t know completely. After all, grace doesn’t cost us that much, so let’s start extending more of it today!
In this episode, The Story You Don’t Know: Extending Grace Without Accepting Behavior, I cover:
- The concept of “we don’t know what we don’t know” and choosing to give a little more grace
- Understanding that everyone has a reason for their actions and there’s always more to the story
- Why extending grace does NOT mean that you accept or condone behavior
- Why grace matters and its vital connection to emotions
- How we can extend more grace to others
Resources & Links:
- Download your free guide to Handling Hard Conversations!
- Join the waitlist for the Good Movement Collective
- Good Movement music by: Aaron Espe
- Podcast produced by: Jill Carr Podcasting
Connect with Terryn:
- Follow on Instagram @terryn.drieling
- Check out my website
- Send me an email at terryn@terryndrieling.com
Related Episodes:
- Episode 40: Knowing When to Set a Boundary with Sheila Hansen
- Episode 36: Boundaries Are Kind
- Episode 23: Behaviors Are a Clue but Not the Whole Story
More about the Good Movement Draws Good Movement podcast:
In stockmanship (the art and science of handling cattle in a safe, effective, low-stress manner), we have this phrase . . . good movement draws good movement.
It’s this thing that happens when we ask a small group of cattle, maybe a cow or a pair, to move out in a certain direction, and their movement draws the whole herd into moving in the same direction.
Good movement happens when we approach the cattle with a positive attitude, read and really listen to what they’re telling us, and communicate accordingly.
We don’t approach the aware, flighty cattle the same as we do the tame, docile cattle. We adjust ourselves, our energy, and our approach, and we communicate with each other differently.
These adjustments help us effectively draw good movement from each, which then draws good movement from the herd. But it starts with us.
The same is true for humans. Good movement starts with us.
Welcome to Good Movement Draws Good Movement, the podcast where farmers, ranchers, and rural folks can grow relationally through awareness, understanding, and effective communication.
Hey, it’s me – T. I’m your host, and I, along with my guests, will be covering topics related to drawing good movement – things like self and social awareness, brain science, positive psychology, extending grace, and so much more.
We’ll share tools that can help you understand why you are the way you are, why others are the way they are, and how you can use that to step out of self-told lies with grace and compassion to draw good movement in conversations, relationships, and life in rural America.
Tune in every Tuesday, and make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode! Let’s go draw good movement!
