Opposing views.
The fact that I see something one way, and you view that same thing differently, gives us common ground.
Yep, you read that correctly…it gives us similarity, commonality, sameness.
It doesn’t divide us, it connects us!
I am not speaking about the words or actions of any political party leader or media outlet. I speak now of us as individuals.
People.
Humans.
Us.
That lovely friend, neighbor or stranger with an opposing view from yours….guess what? It is likely that they feel just as strongly about their stance as you do.
It is also likely that they cannot even imagine why you would feel the way you do about it. 😊
You see folks? It gives us something in common. The common ground of feeling the same about our differences!!
Too often we immediately associate differences of opinion with the opposition of sides as in a battle; making that person our enemy.
Now that’s understandable….but I want to invite you outside of that stance just for a moment.
What if there is a better way?
What if we can actually utilize our differences to unify our relationships?
I am NOT suggesting we AVOID sharing with one another.
If I never share my thoughts or beliefs on tough subjects, I am really not being true to myself. Nor am I allowing people to really know me.
I sure hope that folks can respect me and love me even if they disagree with me on certain subjects.
I bet you expect that from others as well 😘
Now here is the big one...
The same goes for the way you treat people on the flip side. Listen. Love. Learn.
When confronted with an opposing viewpoint, let us try to be better at recognizing our sameness.
They think differently than you….you think differently than them.
See! There is a bit of sameness!!
After spending 2 weeks traveling amongst people from literally EVERYWHERE on this globe…..I have learned that if we drop a smidgen of our pride, and listen attentively to others, we will find that many, many, many, many, many small pieces of their viewpoints align with our core beliefs as well.
When we start listening, and looking for commonalities, we are sure to find that by stacking together all those tiny pieces, they form solid footings on which to build rich, loving relationships upon.
…..and when you start to find common ground in their thoughts…they are much more likely to find common ground in yours as well....it’s quite lovely when it happens!!! ❤
I promise, you can still be friends with someone who thinks drastically differently than you. It really works.
…and guess what? You can be friends without either of you ever changing one another’s minds. ❤
You can just embrace that person right where they are at. And they can love you right back without compromising yourself & without ever seeing eye to eye on everything this life throws our way.
We have tried a whole lot of shoving…how about we try a lot more loving?
Love them there…don’t Shove them there ❤❤
From My Island 