When we identify ourselves, we so often focus almost exclusively on the most stable, unchanging aspects of ourselves. In any given moment, are these stable, often lifelong traits, what really define us?
When I acknowledge that I am offended, I center my own pain. I acknowledge the fact that no healing will ever come unless I heal myself first. If I am offended, I have work to do.
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The change we want and need is happening – right now. We prove it to ourselves every time we find ourselves and others in the grips of outrage.
The truth is: social media isn’t eroding how we interact with one another. It’s changing it. Society isn’t collapsing. It’s changing.
Occasionally, when the stars align, we can actually observe the hard edge of change, a moment when society at large decides that enough is enough.
Before we do anything of value and impact, we must first commit to it in our own hearts and minds. Thoughts and prayers can accomplish this.
If we are only focused on opposing Trump, ultimately the best we can do is simply return to the status quo before him.
The work is not in convincing those who don’t think like us to think differently. The work is in encouraging those who do to step up and act.
The next stage in our evolution will always appear unwise and foolish in the eyes of those who have come before.
It’s up to us to define what it means to be human and to demonstrate that in action.
Polarization does not necessitate that we get ugly and demeaning to one another. It simply means that we are aware of a growing divide in our core values. This can be done with grace, kindness, and sensitivity.
Change is an ecosystem of roles, energies, strategies, and tactics. None of us is able to do it all. All anyone of us can do is play a role.
There have always been two types of people: 1) change agents who want to drive progress and 2) preservers who want to keep our many great accomplishments intact.
The world that should be will never exist. But the world that could be is coming into focus right now.
Growing support for Trump’s ideas is not that they are becoming more popular. It is because those who hold them most dearly now feel more threatened – and therefore are getting louder – than ever.