On Differences, Nuance, and Common Ground.

Imagine if we took all of the energy that we put into being different and divisive and funneled it into finding our common ground. I'm not suggesting abandoning beliefs, bending on values, or agreeing - it means finding what connects us rather than what sets us apart. It means releasing an expectation or necessity to convince others to see it your way. 

I'd be willing to bet you could do this with just about anyone. And what would it cost to do this? Nothing. 

I've personally spent enough time over the last five years wondering how some people think or act the way they do - I probably always will but I'm done trying to figure it all out. It hasn't gotten me anywhere but isolated. If we constantly tell ourselves that we are different we start to believe it. We start to feel like we are the only one asking if this is insane. Sometimes I feel these platforms actually do more of that than the connecting they are meant for. 

Lately, I've been leaning into all of the ways that we are the same. Surprisingly, no matter our differences, I've been able to find things to unite us. It has also opened the door to respectful conversation in the areas we disagree. We aren't meant to be the same and I also believe we aren't meant to divide ourselves into special interest groups for every single issue. How different conversations could look if we focused on that which unites us instead. 

Conversations might happen here - online - but I'd also encourage you to take your conversations off social media. This is not the best or the only place. Meaningful, respectful, compassionate conversations await you off the screen and in real life. I think we are all ready for this, for a little more love, unity, and understanding face to face. 

Many of my closest and most cherished friends hold different opinions than I do on big topics like politics, faith, and medicine - guess what? We love one another anyway. We should never take for granted our freedom to express differing opinions and at the same time, we have a responsibility to understand that those differing opinions exist.

I hate to think of a world without diversity of opinion and without the freedom to share it. I long for a reality that holds space for disagreement without the expectation that we all assume that opinion as our own. Life is nuanced, our own experiences, thoughts, and beliefs combine - like a fingerprint - to define our outlook. We need to wade into the nuance, let go of absolutes, and instead look for what we have in common.

So go on and have some real conversations - I may not agree with you but I'll sit with you and listen and we'll find our common ground. 

- Love From, Maria