No one wants to feel alone in anything. It’s pretty hard to feel like there aren’t people out there who resonate with what you’re feeling. Isolation creeps in, and then darkness can grab a foothold. That foothold can make us believe lies about ourselves and others, keeping us trapped or stuck in isolation.
We need to fight against people feeling alone, unseen, unknown, or unheard. Can you imagine how our world would change? It would reverse old wounds, heal up hearts, change conversations, take down defensiveness, and so much more. In our divisive, polarized culture, this is the beginning of the answer. Everyone can practice this, no one is excluded. We all have the opportunity to go a little deeper, wade into the water, and get in the boat with the people in our lives.
However, our own selves often prevent us from doing this as we’re primarily focused on our own wants and needs. When we start stepping into the boat with others, we gain perspective, understanding, connectedness, and purpose. Imagine yourself climbing into your friend, coworker, or significant other’s boat. What's it like? What do they wrestle with? What do they celebrate? You can’t solve their problems (nor should you), change outcomes, or change them, but you can always get in the boat with them.
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