Why Building Bridges Is Just as Important as Fighting
It’s easy to criticize. But being a player means also support, compassion and building bridges.
Tirades. Rants. I love them. On Medium some of them are beautifully verbalized. Some people are writing their best pieces at three in the morning. Read Tom Kuegler in “My Super Weird Writing Hack That’s Led To Viral Articles”.
It seems the veil is thinner at 3 am. Our emotions surface. Grrrr… I’m not alone in loving those stories. People take sides. Right or wrong. It feels invigorating…
In Nature, there is no good or bad, though. No right or wrong. There are just different circumstances. Nettles are very healthy plants. But in our gardens, where children are playing, they become weeds.
And there’s another catch. It’s draining to be stuck in anger. We’ll burn out like a flame deprived of oxygen.
In a football stadium, three types of people can be found:
Watchers
They are silent. They take it all in and go back home thinking quiet thoughts to themselves. If anyone asks, they might give an opinion. But rather not.
Commentators
They are verbally outgoing. They shout frustrated oneliners. Their criticism is everywhere around. No discussing. They know!
Players
They are the ones in the midst of it all. They do. They make mistakes. They fall and stand up again. They support their teammates. They give a pass so someone else can score.
At some point in my life, I decided to be a player. Always. In the midst of it. Speaking my truths, harshly if necessary. Doing. Building bridges. Finding solutions and sharing them. Supporting others, so together we can build a more beautiful world.
As a changemaker, I meet angry activists. They are important. Our societies will not change if people don’t see what’s wrong. Anger and grief are great catalysts. You only have to look at Greta Thunberg or the #MeToo movement to see the impact.
But if we always preach, we become trolls. What if other people can be trusted? They are doing their best as well. With a different perspective. They are on another path. Or at another crossing.
So next time you rant and are so mighty sure of yourself. Stop. Breathe. Listen deeply to another perspective and find common ground. Encourage. Support. Then write your 3 am. masterpiece.
Biodiversity rules in nature. Diversity rules in human nature. Our worlds will become so colorful and interesting! That’s the real invigorator…
Read this story by John Halstead. Starting a garden is good advice. Always!
Thank you, Mike, for adding your wise energy to my words.
If you want to connect, you can always find me on LinkedIn or in a garden admiring the bees…
