In the spirit of inclusivity, it’s commendable to consider the needs of those facing various challenges during the holiday season. However, there’s a growing sentiment that the focus on specific strategies for different disorders might inadvertently contribute to a sense of otherness. Perhaps it’s time to shift our attention from “how to make the holidays better for people with ‘fill in the blank disorder'” to a broader, more inclusive approach.
The intention behind these guides is undoubtedly positive, aiming to foster understanding and support for individuals with diverse needs. However, an unintended consequence may be reinforcing a sense of separateness, emphasizing differences rather than shared humanity.
Instead of creating extensive guides on how to navigate interactions with specific disorders, let’s redirect our efforts towards promoting universal values that can benefit everyone. Kindness, patience, consideration, forgiveness, and love are qualities that transcend labels and resonate with the essence of being human.
By championing these values, we create an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued, regardless of their individual challenges. It’s about fostering a society that naturally embraces diversity and supports one another without the need for an exhaustive list of do’s and don’ts tailored to specific conditions.
This shift in focus doesn’t negate the importance of understanding and accommodating specific needs. However, it places greater emphasis on cultivating a mindset of empathy and compassion, encouraging
genuine connections that go beyond the surface-level awareness of various disorders.
This holiday season, let’s strive to be more attuned to the needs of those around us, not because of a specific label, but because we recognize the shared human experience. In doing so, we create a world where kindness is the norm, patience is extended to all, consideration is a default, forgiveness is granted generously, and love knows no boundaries.
Ultimately, the goal is to build a society that transcends the limitations of labels and celebrates the richness that comes from embracing the uniqueness of every individual. In this way, we move closer to a world where kindness is the universal language that connects us all.
