We are so much better when we turn toward each other than when we turn on each other.

Watercolor by Susan Schwake.

How often have you had the feeling of amazement in discovering the fascinating ways we humans are connected? Have you experienced the magic of working on a project with diverse people and creating a result much bigger than you ever could alone?

We are so much better when we turn toward each other than we turn on each other. Working through issues with people with different viewpoints, different interests and different life stories isn’t easy. In fact, it is usually pretty messy.  But when we go into a situation with the belief that each and every one of us has something to offer and each person’s truth has validity and is part of the raw material needed to craft a better solution – a shift starts to happen in what we can really hear. We start noticing how we are connected rather than just noticing how we are different or where we disagree. When we go into a situation with the intention to stay committed to work toward solutions with the greater good in mind rather than just advocating for our own point of view we can absolutely find our way. My prayer is that we can hold onto this truth as we move through and past this election.

Watercolor image by my art teacher Susan Schwake. I love how this piece reveals the many hidden pathways that connect us together.

Image copyright: Susan Schwake