How Do You Address Differing Opinions or Expectations?

So many factors influence our expectations. We believe that everyone thinks the way that we do. We expect our children to have the same aspirations as we have had. Our leaders should mirror the leaders of the more developed countries, even when we see them floundering and disorganized. We want others to support the political parties we support and are upset when they do not. We get very offended when others do not see things our way, and this causes division and disagreement.

Some people argue while others pull away quietly. When it comes to children and parents not agreeing on the education or career choices, you may cause lifelong hurt because of differences of opinion. Family members stop speaking to each other because of political affiliation.

I can be quite headstrong, but I know that people will have different opinions. I expect that everyone will not agree with me. Sometimes, I get the opportunity to say that I "saw this coming." Other times, I have to "eat my words" because I chose a losing side.

I think these are most important when it comes to differing opinions or expectations:

1. Everyone forms their opinions on events, crises, life, etc.
2. Share your opinion if you choose to. You will be fine if you keep it personal.
3. If you are going to express yourself, share factual information politely.
4. Listen to the other opinions without showing distaste or disrespect.
5. Know that you cannot have your way all the time.
6. Be willing to compromise.
7. Be encouraging and supportive if it is a life decision.
8. Walk away and come back with more information to support your ideas/side.
9. Know when to leave it alone.

Life continues to flow even when we disagree. If someone committed a criminal act, they may or may not get caught, but their conscience will deal with them. If your child chooses a career that you do not support, still be encouraging unless it is criminal, unethical, or immoral. Your conscience will have to guide you based on the situation.

I am not argumentative, but I know how to state my stance on a matter. Also, I know when to walk away. I prefer to use my energy honing my writing or weeding my garden.

Poem: Guardian of My Galaxy

I may not be "Brandy",

but I think I am a fine girl

and despite what you think,

"Ain't no mountain high enough"

that can keep me from reaching my goals

because I've got music and I've got soul

So even though I don't say

"Come and get your love" often

that doesn't mean I don't want to "Escape"

and drink some "Pina Colada"

We have to live in this moment so

"Come a little bit closer"

because I'm happiest when I see

the bright "Mr. Blue Sky"

because the "Spirit in the Sky"

has me "Hooked on a Feeling"

It's not like "I'm not in love"

it's just that

"I fooled around and fell in love"

and "Ooh Child",

"Bring it on home to me"

So don't change your mind

and don't leave me behind

because you are the Guardian of my Galaxy

 © Linette Rabsatt 2020

Poem: The Weeds

We often ask ourselves why 

About many things

Like how birds learn to sing 

Or how weeds take over a garden 

Instead we need to watch

The numerous happenings 

And the way nature keeps thriving 

How it replenishes and accommodates

And how the circle of life is displayed 

Look at how simply flora and fauna 

Coexist to provide our basic needs

Even though we act more like the weeds

and take over all the spaces

Choking all other beings

If we watch the simplicity 

Teamwork, survival and diligence 

We can mirror the behaviors 

To make the world a better place 

Poem: Navigation

I want to navigate
and elevate
but not just gravitate to the next thing
I have my eyes set on a goal
and this soul
doesn't give up that easily
so don't talk to me teasingly
because you don't know what I'm feeling
or if I am healing
don't assume what people are dealing with
because you don't know where they sit
or if they've been hit
or bitten
because what comes from within
is what lies beneath
so take a seat
and rest your feet
let me take my ride
let me confide with the Most High
as I navigate
resuscitate
and elevate

 © Linette Rabsatt 

BVI Book Highlight: Arona's First Garden by Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes

Do you remember the first time that you did something that you love? We consider Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes as the BVI's most qualified and experienced agriculturalist. She has been passionate about agriculture from a young age and wanted to share this inspiring story with children by writing "Arona's First Garden."

This author has also written "Matters of the Heart" and has co-authored "Medicinal Plants with a BVI Cultural Twist" with Mrs. Virginia Hodge. "Arona's First Garden" caters to children aged three (3) to seven (7). In nine (9) chapters, she describes her journey of inspiration to start the garden to her first sale of produce at the market. The creative artwork of Dwayne Mactavious has enlivened this story.



The author has given us a glimpse into her early life and how her parents endorsed and encouraged her potential in agriculture. The BVI was traditionally a farming territory that produced food for local and regional consumption in the US Virgin Islands. Mrs. Fahie-Forbes has chronicled how she started by selecting a spot to garden, getting her parent's permission, and getting training from an Agri Easter and Summer Camp.

In Chapter 7, the author shares the first moment when she saw fruit budding. The story reads, "Look! Look! Okras are bearing on the plants!" I am currently planting okras and have a full appreciation of how exciting it is to see them bear from the seedling stage to harvest size. In the latter part of the book, the author shares how she reaped her produce and sold them at the market. As you read, you feel the excitement as she details how much money she made at the market.

Mrs. Fahie-Forbes shared that the book can be used as a medium to transfer and sustain the agricultural culture for future generations. She encourages parents to get one for their children in the age range. I encourage you to get a copy for the children in your home. The only way that we can appreciate our culture and the importance of agriculture is if we put our hands to practice by starting a garden.

Poem: An Unusual Fire

the fire in my heart

matches the eruption in my soul

and while my brain is ablaze 

and I go through different phases

and see the world at different stages

it's a steady heat like coals burning

in a haze of uncertainty, 

impossibility and curiosity

an uneasy velocity

and the smoke of a conspiracy theory

It's leery and you can only see the 

mist wisp but it's just hot and dreary

not scary or blurry

just a different type of energy

taking the heat and literal fire

the things we aspire

the things we should use to inspire

the things that should take us higher

to a temperature we can barely endure

yet it's so pure 

and we act like we're sure

but we're far from right

left or any insight

and this is not fight fire with fire time

but to remove the accerlerant

and become tolerant

vigilant and consistent to 

treating each other right

and using the light not the fire

to ignite love around the world

© Linette Rabsatt

Recorded Poem: I Love You by Linette Rabsatt