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

A Story of Comfort | A Pawsitive Christmas | Aiken Bella Magazine

A Story of Comfort | A Pawsitive Christmas

Peter’s daily nap took little effort on his part. The longer, cold nights combined with the shorter, slate gray days created a perfect environment for insomnia prevention. The regular sleeps, whether an afternoon siesta or night-long break from reality, gave some measure of relief from the constant heartache brought on by the memories. Since her passing, the holidays were always a difficult time, rendering the frequent, daily sleeps even more welcome and, perhaps, more necessary. The onset of her illness was unidentifiable, but its discovery was certainly no cause for thanksgiving. To say the holiday was stigmatized in Peter’s heart was the most drastic understatement imaginable. What he found most

Read More »
Santa: Claude - Bella Fella | Aiken Bella Magazine

Santa: Claude – Bella Fella

A True Story by Matthew Wynn The eight-year-old approached me. He was angry. Balled fists. Wide eyes. Pinched lips. “Santa Claus is a fraud,” he said. “Oh,” I replied, “is that a fact? Well, then who leaves those presents under the tree that say ‘from Santa’?” He paused, seemed to roll the question around in his head a few times then blurted out, “It was probably Mrs. Claus. She probably does all the work and she doesn’t get any credit.” True story kid. Just not in the way you think. But he got me thinking, what do you say, these days, when an eight-year-old asks you about Saint Nick? What

Read More »
An Interview with Dexter Quintin Price, November’s Mr. Bella | Aiken Bella Magazine

An Interview with Dexter Quintin Price, November’s Mr. Bella

Have you ever met someone who was so cool that just by being in proximity to them you felt cool? They just seem to radiate this confidence that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. You laugh a little harder, hold your head a little higher. And afterwards you look forward to seeing them again, but honestly, you’re a little intimidated by all of their incredible achievements, so you think to yourself, “I really need to get the ball rolling…” If you haven’t met someone like that, you should. You should meet Dexter Price. It all started 4 years ago, with the purchase of two used computers from

Read More »
Gratefulness + Happiness | Aiken Bella Magazine

Gratefulness + Happiness

Happiness is not getting everything you want; rather it’s being grateful for what you have. The Aiken characteristic for the month of November is gratefulness. As Thanksgiving approaches, there is heightened attention to thankfulness and expressing the things we are grateful for. Gratefulness is the key to happiness, and humility is the key to peace. Gratefulness is self-less. It’s related to love and peace, and achieving it takes awareness and understanding. There is someone I wanted to recognize this month for gratefulness as I have witnessed her exhibiting gratefulness on numerous occasions through the authentic show of thankfulness, happiness, and appreciation in all she does. A humble smile and peaceful

Read More »