Numbers

You may not even realize this, but if you can perform this equation in your head then you have a superpower:

2+2=___.

No gimmicks! I’m serious here. Yes, the answer is 4.

Think about what life would be like without numbers. Without the ability to quantify things, we are infinitely less capable of the society we exist in today. There would be no ability to make things uniform or identical due to lack of measurement device. Everything would be haphazard and certain sophistications simply could not exist.

I know you may hate math, but think about how valuable that skill is. Perhaps language is the same because it gives us the ability to communicate semi-efficiently with one another, as well as record data in a way that is understood throughout history. There is a major difference though… numbers are concrete and objective. Two items are two items. Language, on the other-hand is malleable by the mouth/hand of the wielder AND by the ear/eye of the interpreter. It has a subjective element to it. How it is used is equally as powerful as the tool itself. It is so expansive.

I have no preference between the two ironically. I used to favor math, but once I opened my emotions up I understood the beauty of lateral thinking. A creative seeks to paint pictures outside the lines. They love the subjectivity and the open interpretation element. This is why your highly emotional people concentrate on tone far more than you’re objectively driven people. Objective people gravitate towards concrete information due to the reliability and the necessity they have to understand how they can connect with the world. They listen to the words far more than the creatives, dying to define what is said, rather than any underlying implications. The creative doesn’t care as much how, but rather if they are connected or not. If their life is in harmony and people are displaying emotion, the creatives are at peace. The other-side finds peace from having the facts straight and mutual understanding with the counter party.

Why is this on your mind dude?

I have two amazing parents. One is one of the people I described, the other parent is the other. I am a blend of them. I have trouble often understanding myself as I cannot directly relate to either. Should I lean to far one way I feel out of sync with myself, even though I am walking in one of their blazed trails… this is okay!

Should you feel an imbalance, analyze it my friend! It is perfectly normal to feel out of sync, and I believe it often related to our lack of trailblazing.

You are a trailblazer.

You are completely unique.

You don’t need to feel bad about this.

You are wonderful in nature.

Please do us all a favor and blaze your own trail. You are the only one able to scratch off lottery ticket. Here’s a secret: they are all winners!

Do not disdain the paths you have mimicked. Those paths got you off the ground and showed you how to run. Those paths inspired you to explore for yourself. Those paths provide hope that you can do it too. Your friends, mentors, or colleagues may be the paths you are in the wake of today as well. Honor them, but don’t make them look backwards when they should look forward.

So numbers… I think there is no doubt we need both of the people I’ve described above. The creative uses less quantification. The objective uses more quantification. To the objective, numbers are what words are to the creative. Communication is best done with statistics and evidential expression. To the creative, communication is best done with tone and vocabulary. There is nothing admired more than an eloquent speaking linguist to the creative when communicating.

The point I’m trying to make is that we need both numbers and words in our life. You may favor one or the other, but DO NOT under any circumstances disqualify or look down on the other side. You need them and they need you. Together, and only together, we can make this world a better place. The missing piece is simple:

Connection.

You must be vulnerable and aware of yourself to connect with others. You must be able to not only listen, but to speak. You must express your thoughts and emotions. You must be someone worth counting on.

(1+1)²=4…

Every-time you connect with someone a second time, there is the exponential effect in play. The depth of connection we share with people when we invest in relationship is not linear.

There, I spoke both languages of my heritage… I’m trying to connect!

Cheers.

-JW