From books to apparel and TV, there’s nothing off limits for a woman on a mission of sharing a noble, inspirational message.
Avni Parekh, author, entrepreneur, and newest face on Bravo’s Family Karma says “nothing is off limits” when it comes to sharing a life principle she holds near and dear to her heart: be the bigger person. Over a FaceTime call, I had an opportunity to interview the self-help author and TV personality herself about the importance of reinforcing self-discipline and living a life of purpose that honors your soul.
Let’s face it, by being the bigger person, you build a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy, someone who can be counted on to handle difficult situations with grace and integrity. In fact, a reputation like this takes years to build, but it can be shattered in an instant if you lose control and act in a way that’s seen as childish or unprofessional.
However, by exercising self-discipline and choosing to rise above the drama, you prove that you’re someone others can rely on. That’s the case for the author of self-help book Be The Bigger Person: Scenarios & Solutions to Better Yourself and Be The Bigger Person athleisure clothing brand.
Choosing a path that aligns with your soul
Taking the high road in life means choosing the path that aligns with your values and morals, even when it’s not easy. Avni tells me, “The decision to take the high road may be challenging, but it always leads to personal growth, self-respect, and greater fulfillment.” When we take the high road, she says, “we are honoring our soul and living a life of integrity.”
To take the high road, we must first identify our values, those principles we hold dear and believe are worth striving for. Values may include honesty, compassion, respect, or kindness. When we choose to live by these values, we are choosing to live a life that honors our soul, even when it’s difficult.
For example, when we encounter a difficult situation, “taking the high road may mean choosing to respond with empathy and understanding rather than retaliation. It may mean speaking the truth, even if it’s not popular. It may mean forgiving someone who has hurt us, even if they haven’t apologized,” remarks Avni. She continues by saying while these choices “require courage and strength” to make, they also align with our values and help us live with integrity.
Taking the high road in life also helps us develop a stronger sense of self-respect. When we choose to do what is right, even when it’s not easy, we demonstrate to ourselves and others that we have integrity and that our values matter. This self-respect translates into self-confidence and gives us the courage to continue to live by our values in the face of challenges.
Furthermore, taking the high road also leads to greater personal growth, and that’s what being the bigger person is all about. “It’s an undervalued life principle, but it’s the most powerful in my experience because it encompasses many components.”
Living by a life principle that betters you
Avni added: “When we choose to do what is difficult or uncomfortable, we stretch ourselves beyond our current capabilities. We learn to be more patient, more understanding, and more compassionate. We also learn from our mistakes and become better versions of ourselves in the process.”
“For instance, being the bigger person requires self-discipline,” states Avni. “It takes a considerable amount of self-control and patience to react calmly when faced with difficult situations. It’s about living by principles that allow for the greater good, even when the easier option is to act on an impulse.”
To be the bigger person means choosing to act maturely and rationally in the face of frustration, anger, or disappointment. This requires “a willingness to put personal feelings aside and focus on finding a solution that benefits everyone involved,” she revealed. “It takes self-discipline to hold your tongue when it would be easier to lash out, to stay calm when you feel like screaming, and to resist the urge to act impulsively.”
Moreover, being the bigger person requires taking responsibility for your actions, acknowledging your mistakes, and making amends when necessary. Recognizing your role in a situation and being willing to accept the consequences of your actions is a huge part of self-discipline. Avni wisely said: “It takes self-control to resist the temptation to make excuses or to blame others.”
Being the bigger person also involves setting boundaries, understanding your limitations, and saying “no” when necessary. These are all part of self-discipline. “When you’re clear about your values and what you stand for, it’s easier to make decisions that are in your best interest,” she explains. By establishing boundaries and sticking to them, you show others that you respect yourself and your time, and that you won’t be manipulated or taken advantage of.
As Avni Parekh says, “let’s all be the bigger person”
To conclude, being the bigger person requires a great deal of self-discipline. It means putting aside personal feelings, taking responsibility for your actions, and building a reputation of reliability and integrity.
It also means setting boundaries, having the courage to go against the grain, and making decisions based on your values. By exercising self-discipline, you’ll find that you’re better equipped to handle difficult situations and able to take the high road in life.
When you choose your values over convenience and stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s hard, you develop a stronger sense of self-respect and self-confidence, and become a better version of yourself. It’s a powerful way to live with integrity, honor your soul, and achieve personal growth. Plus, “when we live a life of integrity, we enrich our soul,” said Avni.