When Differences Don’t Divide Us

I was at a gathering with friends a few weeks ago. One member talked about his work situation – how it was dangerous work with many disagreeing politically with one another. He ended by saying: The main thing is, we have each other’s backs and at the end of the day – for that reason – we all get to go home.

That group of workers have all made a conscious decision to be there for each other in a way that matters.

Where I live, I have a circle of friends who are also like that – we had discussed our differences, and have committed to remain open to one another.

This isn’t as true in many organizations I’ve belonged to in the past. It doesn’t appear to be true between the major parties in many countries. It also doesn’t appear to be true among many families – so many family members are now alienated from the others because their political beliefs are different. My family included.

After wracking my brains over coming up with some way to connect with people who did not want to connect, it finally occurred to me that all that I was doing was needlessly eating up my energy. Now, I look for people who want to connect, as I do, no matter where they stand on anything. For those who have no desire to, I respect their stand and move on. I don’t mean only being with those who agree with me – If I did that, my marriage would be over. I mean being with those who are open to disagreeing.

That precious energy of mine is returning. I have the time and, now, the energy to be there for those I want to be there for … and who are there for me.

Quote of the Week

Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are incapable of forming such opinions.

― Albert Einstein

Can a divided America heal?

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Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programs, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co . 

If you’re interested in the topic of avoiding burnout for people who do too much, you may be interested in checking out my youtube channel.