We’ve been back in the U.S. for nearly 6 weeks. Watching the divide we witnessed across the ocean. Aching as it appears to be growing deeper and wider.
I know I’m not alone in my concern for our country or in my desire to be a part of the solution. Several of my leadership connections have been sharing both struggles and wisdom in their blogs.
Alli Polin, Erin Schreyer, Steve Keating and Jesse Lyn Stoner have each written important articles to help us build bridges across that divide.
- Each of the image quotes below highlight something from their articles that I found especially powerful.
- Each of their original articles are linked after each image through their name.
If you are struggling with the current state of our union – I encourage you to:
- Read each one
- Watch the Conversation Safari video at the end of this post
And then make strategic choices to be the change you want to see
“When you’re obsessed, you keep digging for more proof of your position.
When you’re engaged, you join others to create meaningful change.” –Alli Polin
“Sorry folks but no one but you can make you hate.
No one but you can get you to stop hating.
Until everyone, EVERYONE, accepts responsibility for their own emotions
the hate will not only continue, it will grow.
Hating a hater is still hate.” –Steve Keating
“We are better than this. Better than what’s been happening.
We can be angry, but we shouldn’t be hateful.
We can disagree, but we should do so with respect.
We can speak our voices, but we should listen just as much as we talk.
…We must stop trying to defend our own perspective at all costs.” – Erin Schreyer
“As I listened, I heard things I disagreed with and also things I agreed with.
I could understand why he sees things the way he does.
I saw that we share many of the same concerns,
but don’t necessarily agree on what should be done about it.
I saw we were in agreement on several important issues.
And I heard some things that caused me to reconsider some of my own beliefs.” –Jesse Lyn Stoner
All of their posts emphasize why I starting hosting Conversation Safari’s
Instead of divisive debates people are learning how to have
Real dialogues that feel like adventures.
Learn more here:
Offering interactive speaking and workshops
That leverage true leadership stories, and experiences as an expat in Saudi Arabia
Building bridges, educating, inspiring and emphasizing leadership and life skills
For adults and teens
Image Credits: Pixabay, Ghadeer El-Nadoury
I’m so appreciative that you included my thoughts. It’s a struggle no matter where you live. On the other side of the world, part of the challenge can feel like you’re removed but still want to help bridge the divide and create change. At home in the USA, the desire to do something and not knowing where to start come face to face. Thank you for sharing these pieces, I’m touched by their insights and honesty and yours as well.
Alli
Alli – I agree that it is hard to know where to start. I do think that talking about what we are seeing, feeling and researching is a great place to start! Thank you for being a part of that!
I’ve been back in the U.S. for five years, after 12 years in Asia, and I’m seeing the same things you are. Thanks for an excellent post! Watch how fast I share this.
Thank you for sharing Michael! How long have you been back?
Such a difficult time for all of us. We do need to find a common ground and be more respectful of different points of view.
Thanks for this wonderful post Chery!
Agreed Terri! It is difficult. Especially if we believe everything we see on our televisions!!! Fear, judgements, division and hate sell clicks, movies and news. Being curious and seeking first to understand takes effort. Doing research on our takes time and energy. Speaking logic and love into all of this takes courage. But it is the only way we can lead the change we want to see.