#343: The Mud and the Miracles

In a breakout room last week, Richard Sugarman asked some great questions around what may be the indicators of trust being evident and connection to be felt between people. It had me thinking more about how one might start to build the foundation for this. I immediately thought about the importance of expressing curiosity for others through asking questions, particularly meaningful ones as Rich had just done, as these can truly serve as bridges amongst individuals from all different backgrounds. Jaime's writing below inspires me to think more about the beauty of learning about others and their interests and beliefs, with both friends and strangers. And how doing so can expand not only my perspective but my empathy for others. 

- Amanda

The Mud and the Miracles

I got to throw a football with a friend recently and was reminded of my athlete days and that time I was off the grid for a week for work in Costa Rica and I packed a book and a football in my day pack. Now I forget I like(d) sports. 

I love this saying - to have strong opinions loosely held. And I feel like as I grow I grow into this more. Not always. But in the past I clung deeply to identities and beliefs, defending them at all costs. Now I like to turn a curious eye on things more often than not. 

I’m more interested in learning and expanding my definition of things and looking at things from new angles. I understand our experiences in life shape our beliefs so how might someone’s else’s beliefs have been shaped so very differently from my own? I try to ask questions. Maybe not always. Maybe sometimes I still feel the need to prove I can throw a football.

Anyways I’m grateful for evolution and for revisiting older versions of myself in new light and new life experiences. And really I’m grateful for friends and community that have opened my eyes and helped shape the curves in my path and the commitment to my journey - to stay with both the grit and the joy / the mud and the miracles.