Life’s Echoes is a place for stories – yours, mine, his, hers, theirs.
We live in a time of uncertainty. We are no longer talking to each other – really talking to each other. We use technology to soothe and distract us. We are digging our heels into ideologies and identities, instead of opening our eyes and ears to different perspectives and possibilities. This concerns me. I want to do something about it.
I was recently reminded that lasting and impactful change starts within the individual. We have to be the change we wish to see in the world (Gandhi).
I wish to see individuals, families, communities, churches, business, politicians crossing the divide with empathy and charity. I wish to see more collaboration and less obstinance.
I wish to see us understanding the impact of words and taking responsibility for our language. I wish for us to seek common ground that we may create a more generous and joyous way to live.
One of the things I’ve learned in over twenty years of storytelling is that regardless of whether or not I agree with someone or even like them, once I know their story it’s impossible for me not to be compassionate. I may still disagree and maybe not like them, but I can hear them. I can value them.
Creating an environment where people feel safe enough to let down their guards and risk being seen and to share their stories is how I can be the change I wish to see.
What do you wish to see? How can your story be part of manifesting that change?