Your writing, observations, and examples of human goodness in action act as a bridge across the false stories of separation destroying our world. Thank you!
Yes yes yes to all this and thank you for writing it so beautifully, with such grounding generosity. I think about this daily, as my communities include contrasting political leanings and voters (a swim community).
Every day I remind myself that iit's humans first, that we can all find a connection, that the best action is to transcend differences and connect. I relapse constantly, too.
In May I went to a local lakeside beach in Seattle, with a few friends, and sitting on the next bench over, was, of all people, Robert Kennedy Jr, someone I haven't had the kindest feelings for. My friends rolled their eyes, after the shock wore off, called him a crank, and I thought: Fuck it, there's a *prez candidate sitting next to us, in private life*, I'm going to say Hi. As it turned out, he was there for an AA meeting, in the bathhouse where I first went to my AA meetings. We talked a bit about sobriety. Then his family. Now when I see his name on campaign I don't have a negative knee-jerk reaction. The connection humanized him. I'm not endorsing him! But endorsing, as you say, to be a neighbor, to put humans first, political parties second. Belief systems aren't "reality", and also: we're not living in a pretend fantasy. We can show up to create change too. Thank you. Thank you.
Conversation with people transforms us. How I wish more of us would just talk, if for no other reason than to experience our humanity and what we have in common. That is so transformative. Thanks so much Tatyana.
I'm cheering over here. Life goes on, and we can make of it what we will to whatever extent we can. So much depends on how we show up and how we treat one another. May your days on the river be blissful, Julia.
Many good thoughts to you and yours. I hope your garden gifted you with lots of iris this year. The roofing crew kinda took mine out but I had them for a while....next year!
“I’ll help you if you agree to believe as I believe.” Of course that’s not what you said. Somehow in these times interactions occur on a transactional basis. No strings attached is what once applied.
For your rafting adventure I hope you enjoy yourself to the point of spitting coffee!
I've taught networking skills for decades, not on the transactional basis but on relational. Pay it forward. Be of service. Give first. That's how we change lives.
Julia - you are so right. We have lost the feeling that we can just “agree to disagree” and added vitriol & hate. How did we get here? We all need to rethink what each of us need to do to cool the fires. We need to remind ourselves that “it’s my way or no way.” fuels the fires of hate. Somehow we just have to turn things around for our democracy & our world. I hope & pray we can.🙏
Thank you, and we can. While I have to admit that some of the political writing on Substack reflects some of my views, it doesn't result in anything positive. I've chosen to mute all of it for the sake of my sanity. I love Krispy Kreme donuts, too, but they make me both sick and fat. Words are food. Let's choose wisely.
I loved "the connective tissue of our humanity." I'm keeping it. Thanks for this inspiring article!!! I'll keep it in my heart as I go out into the farmer's market this morning.
Thank you for sharing the story of part of your adventures and especially this:
"If my neighbor is in trouble I don’t give a damn what the political sign says in their yard. You show up." It's what loving your neighbor means in real terms and in real time. We don't have to agree to be civil, helpful, thoughtful, caring, kind and compassionate. We just need to bring our best selves to whomever we meet along life's way.
Thanks,Julia. Ever wonder why that seems hard for some people? Why do people seem invested in feeding differences instead of finding common ground? Is it fear and insecurity or something else? I have to give this some more think time.
Your writing, observations, and examples of human goodness in action act as a bridge across the false stories of separation destroying our world. Thank you!
Yes yes yes to all this and thank you for writing it so beautifully, with such grounding generosity. I think about this daily, as my communities include contrasting political leanings and voters (a swim community).
Every day I remind myself that iit's humans first, that we can all find a connection, that the best action is to transcend differences and connect. I relapse constantly, too.
In May I went to a local lakeside beach in Seattle, with a few friends, and sitting on the next bench over, was, of all people, Robert Kennedy Jr, someone I haven't had the kindest feelings for. My friends rolled their eyes, after the shock wore off, called him a crank, and I thought: Fuck it, there's a *prez candidate sitting next to us, in private life*, I'm going to say Hi. As it turned out, he was there for an AA meeting, in the bathhouse where I first went to my AA meetings. We talked a bit about sobriety. Then his family. Now when I see his name on campaign I don't have a negative knee-jerk reaction. The connection humanized him. I'm not endorsing him! But endorsing, as you say, to be a neighbor, to put humans first, political parties second. Belief systems aren't "reality", and also: we're not living in a pretend fantasy. We can show up to create change too. Thank you. Thank you.
Conversation with people transforms us. How I wish more of us would just talk, if for no other reason than to experience our humanity and what we have in common. That is so transformative. Thanks so much Tatyana.
Another wonderful, thought provoking essay. 🩵🤍 have a fantastic time on the river!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Well said... we show up. That's it. "I've got your back," is my motto... "and I hope you've got mine if and when the time comes..."
So well said! Thanks Julia!
I'm cheering over here. Life goes on, and we can make of it what we will to whatever extent we can. So much depends on how we show up and how we treat one another. May your days on the river be blissful, Julia.
Ohh why did you have to mention Krispy Kreme donuts :))). I love love them but can't eat them.
Great article Julie and a lot of food (no pun intended) for thought.
Enjoy yourself on this trip. Beautiful sentiment and thoughts.
Many good thoughts to you and yours. I hope your garden gifted you with lots of iris this year. The roofing crew kinda took mine out but I had them for a while....next year!
Beautifully written, you’re so right. Thank you.
Many warm thanks, Julie. I appreciate it.
“I’ll help you if you agree to believe as I believe.” Of course that’s not what you said. Somehow in these times interactions occur on a transactional basis. No strings attached is what once applied.
For your rafting adventure I hope you enjoy yourself to the point of spitting coffee!
I've taught networking skills for decades, not on the transactional basis but on relational. Pay it forward. Be of service. Give first. That's how we change lives.
I’ve done the Middle Fork down to the Lower Fork over a 10-day stretch. Phenomenal trip and area. So fun for you. Enjoy fully 🙏🙏
Julia - you are so right. We have lost the feeling that we can just “agree to disagree” and added vitriol & hate. How did we get here? We all need to rethink what each of us need to do to cool the fires. We need to remind ourselves that “it’s my way or no way.” fuels the fires of hate. Somehow we just have to turn things around for our democracy & our world. I hope & pray we can.🙏
Thank you, and we can. While I have to admit that some of the political writing on Substack reflects some of my views, it doesn't result in anything positive. I've chosen to mute all of it for the sake of my sanity. I love Krispy Kreme donuts, too, but they make me both sick and fat. Words are food. Let's choose wisely.
I loved "the connective tissue of our humanity." I'm keeping it. Thanks for this inspiring article!!! I'll keep it in my heart as I go out into the farmer's market this morning.
Please enjoy and thank you!
Thank you for sharing the story of part of your adventures and especially this:
"If my neighbor is in trouble I don’t give a damn what the political sign says in their yard. You show up." It's what loving your neighbor means in real terms and in real time. We don't have to agree to be civil, helpful, thoughtful, caring, kind and compassionate. We just need to bring our best selves to whomever we meet along life's way.
Beautifully said, Gary. Thank you.
Thanks,Julia. Ever wonder why that seems hard for some people? Why do people seem invested in feeding differences instead of finding common ground? Is it fear and insecurity or something else? I have to give this some more think time.