14 Affirmations for Getting Along With People You Disagree With

No matter where you live, it’s easy to see that we live in a time of great discord, causing deep separation within nations, groups, communities—even among family members and friends. Not seeing eye to eye has caused many disagreements and frustrations for so many of us.

Whether you disagree on politics, parenting, what diet is best, climate change, or religious or spiritual perspectives, we all have our own views. What’s helped me through this trying time is to look at all perspectives through a lens of gratitude. The diversity of life is spectacular and it gives us opportunities to not only learn more about ourselves but each other. Instead of looking at people who don’t see the world the same way you do through judgmental or angry lenses, start to perceive others with more curiosity, compassion, and love.

[Read: “Asking Questions Is Most of Compassion.”]

We can learn a lot about others by listening and not taking it personally. When others share more about themselves, we have an opportunity to learn more about one another and accept others for who they are rather than who we think they should be. Because the truth is, despite our vast differences, we are not built or hardwired for separation.

Disagreements are part of human nature, but shaming others or isolating away from those who think differently creates a cancel culture that only further divides us. This divisiveness is taking a psychic toll on humanity.

A great tool for being more compassionate in times of trouble is using affirmations, which are powerful words that help us focus on truth, love, and kindness.

[Download The Book of Daily Affirmations for free!]

The next time you find yourself disagreeing with someone, try repeating one of these go-to affirmations in your mind to help you get along and rise above any drama.

1. Every situation is an opportunity to choose love over fear.
2. When I speak my truth, it gives others permission to do the same.
3. I commit to staying open-minded.
4. I am confident in beliefs that work for me.
5. I replace judgment with curiosity.
6. My heart never lies. I trust it.
7. I allow myself to just be who I am instead of who I think I should be.
8. I detach from all troubling situations and surround them with love.
9. The domino effect of being kind will show up in every area of my life.
10. I see love in others and activate the love within me.
11. I can learn from others and they can learn from me.
12. Peace is a choice I make daily.
13. My beliefs do not define me. I am willing to see others’ perspectives without judgment.
14. I have loving allowance for others to be who they are instead of who I think they need to be.

Training yourself to become more tolerant is possible, and it is not only a great gift to yourself but also helps to bring more compassion and peace into the world. There is no reason to let our beliefs cause deeper divisions because ultimately, we all want the same thing: to be seen, heard, acknowledged, and respected.

These affirmations are from Shannon Kaiser’s book Find Your Happy Daily Mantras.

Check out “5 Ways to Foster Tolerance through Emotional Connection.”