Aiken’s Character Initiative | Tolerance

The Aiken Characteristic of the Month for February is tolerance. What is tolerance? Why is important? Why would a person want to exhibit tolerance in his or her actions?

Tolerance is the ability or willingness to accept opinions or behaviors that are different from your own and that you may not necessarily like or agree.

Why is it important? There is no one person who is 100% exactly like anyone else. We all live our lives through our own eyes, and no one else has witnessed life through our eyes. We all have different perceptions, thoughts, beliefs, habits, and experiences. We are all connected, and we can relate and share similarities on all levels of life, but at the same time, it would be wise to understand that there are people in the world who think differently; who have different experiences, values, likes, and dislikes; who live in different paradigms. There are people who believe and act in a way that is nothing like you.

Do you think the Aiken community has the tolerance to engage, communicate, understand, and care for one another? I believe Aiken is one of the most humble and tolerant communities in the country, and we have the opportunity to lead our nation by example. Next time someone says something to you that sparks a negative emotion, or next time your significant other does something that is your pet peeve, or next time something makes your day unpleasant, you have an opportunity to exhibit tolerance and grace.

Why do we allow other people’s behaviors to disrupt us? Who is responsible for your emotions? Who is responsible for how you feel? Why would you allow other people to have the power to influence how you feel and act? We each have the power to choose how we respond.

My friend Mrs. Burroughs always said, “It’s not what you see in the fruit, it starts in the root.” Sometimes people’s actions and emotions may have deeper roots than what you see at the surface. Someone who is angry or hurting may act in a way that seems disrespectful or distasteful. I value mutual respect, and I engage others who maintain respect. But there are opportunities for tolerance even when the other person’s actions are disrespectful; call it what it is —
disrespectful — and disengage from it. Do not allow someone else’s remarks or actions to cause you to compromise your own values. Not every comment or action requires, or even deserves, a response. Consider your own life purpose. How do you want to be remembered? Show that in your action. Try to show tolerance to others who don’t understand or agree.

Tolerance is a beautiful characteristic, born of knowledge and understanding, and partnered with humility and wisdom. What is your personal vision? What response will get you closer to your desired result? Have tolerance for other things and people along the way. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Having tolerance will make your journey through life more peaceful and positive. Have a great day, a better week, and remember, it’s not what you think, but what you do! Be Blessed.

Picture of Byron Bush

Byron Bush

Byron Bush is the Director of Business Development for Empowered Global Solutions, Inc., a certified Woman Owned Small Business specializing in engineering, IT, environmental, construction, supply chain, safety, finance, and administrative staffing & recruiting. He is also the President & CEO of Bright & Bold Entertainment and B&B Network, LLC – a network of people and businesses who help each other develop business, wealth, and leadership. Byron serves on the Board for the USCA Inclusion Advisory Board, Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA), Aiken Center for the Arts, Treasurer for Education Matters, and a member of Aiken Young Professionals and the Royal Aikenites. He graduated from South Carolina State University with a Degree in Accounting, played on the SCSU Football and Golf teams, and joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Byron was born in Ellicot City, Maryland, raised in Aiken, SC, and he works to make every day a great day.
Picture of Byron Bush

Byron Bush

Byron Bush is the Director of Business Development for Empowered Global Solutions, Inc., a certified Woman Owned Small Business specializing in engineering, IT, environmental, construction, supply chain, safety, finance, and administrative staffing & recruiting. He is also the President & CEO of Bright & Bold Entertainment and B&B Network, LLC – a network of people and businesses who help each other develop business, wealth, and leadership. Byron serves on the Board for the USCA Inclusion Advisory Board, Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA), Aiken Center for the Arts, Treasurer for Education Matters, and a member of Aiken Young Professionals and the Royal Aikenites. He graduated from South Carolina State University with a Degree in Accounting, played on the SCSU Football and Golf teams, and joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Byron was born in Ellicot City, Maryland, raised in Aiken, SC, and he works to make every day a great day.

In the know

Related Stories

Publisher's Letter | Aiken Bella Magazine

Publisher’s Letter

“Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling.”   Cecelia Ahern The theme of this month’s Bella is expansion. You can find my partner’s editorial and perspective on the idea of expanding from Aiken to the surrounding area on page 3. My perspective on all this is different and in many ways opposite. My story and experience is one more of contraction than expansion. In my entire life I have never lived in any one location more than four years. I was born in southern Georgia and raised, for the most part, in central North Carolina. I was an Army brat and then spent 20 years in the Army. I have

Read More »
Psychological Flexibility in the Age of COVID-19 | Aiken Bella Magazine

Psychological Flexibility in the Age of COVID-19

Knowing what we control and what we don’t is a vital part of self-awareness. It has been nearly 3 months since social distancing policies were implemented for South Carolina, and there has been a huge range of personal reactions to the pandemic and to changes in our lifestyles. Nearly everyone has experienced the consequences of job loss, reduced income, and anxiety about the virus and getting sick or dying, to say nothing of adjusting to much more time spent with our families in much closer proximity. National surveys are reporting increases in stress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. The novelty and uncertainty of the virus have resulted in differences in how

Read More »
A Mother’s Day Prayer | Aiken Bella Magazine

A Mother’s Day Prayer

On this fine spring morning, Lord, an extra special prayer; It should be said on every morning for mothers everywhere, A prayer that You’ll keep filling them with blessings from above, The blessings being the blessings three of faith and hope and love. The faith in You she passed along to me through every year, The faith I cling to every day through laughter and through tears. The faith she lives in how she lives in every little way, The faith she passes on to everyone she sees each day. In hope she brought me to this world, in hope we live evermore, The hope we hold which places us

Read More »
Getting a Good’s Night Rest during a Pandemic | Aiken Bella Magazine

Getting a Good’s Night Rest during a Pandemic

Sleep Despite Uncertainty There are few things as necessary to feeling good, but that can be so negatively impacted by daily stressors, as getting a good night of sleep. Sleep problems were already elevated prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, with at least 38% of South Carolinians reporting short sleep duration (<7 hours/night) per the Centers for Disease Control. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with social isolation and the resulting economic downturn, has resulted in increased anxiety, stress, depression, and sleep problems. It is well known that changes in routines, job uncertainty, financial pressures, and increased interpersonal demands (beginning homeschooling, for example) are important factors in the growing mental health concerns around

Read More »