Have you ever met someone and thought this person is so different from me, what could we possibly have in common? Only to find those very differences are the things that connect, complement, and bring you together.
It struck me this week when having a pic together that that over the past few months, I’ve become part of an unlikely trio! Three individuals, all accidentally thrown together, who, on the surface, have absolutely nothing in common (except we get our coffee at the same bakery every morning).
We have very different backgrounds, lifestyles, professions (and if I’m being honest, my age is pretty different too!). People could easily make assumptions about us based on how each of us appears on the surface. But in spite of that (or maybe because of it?!) we’ve become great friends.
Not because we’re the same, but because we’re completely and utterly different. It’s all the things that we don’t have in common that have connected us, kept us curious, had us experiencing new things and opened us up to learning from each other.
….
Here’s the thing… at the moment, the world seems to be amplifying a fear of difference. We only see the things we already agree with on our social media feed. We feel uncomfortable interacting with people we don’t know. And at every turn, we’re being told people who don’t think, believe, behave or look different from us, aren’t safe.
The Unlikely Trio reminds me that difference isn’t something to fear but instead offers a way to grow and expand. It opens up new experiences, provides a mirror to parts of ourselves we may not recognise, keeps life interesting, and teaches us how to be better humans – showing up for others and in turn showing up for ourselves in the process.
As humans, we can be similar and different at the same time.
I would love to hear about a time you connected with a new or different person who has added something unique to your life.
Here’s to a week of being well.
Bel.
PS: I love working with leadership teams to provide psychological safety and guidance to explore differing views, opinions and beliefs around the same problem so they can respectfully work through all the angles and come to a solution. Acknowledging and celebrating differences more often than not results in a dynamic response to workplace challenges.
Every Sunday afternoon, Bel sends the Ignite community a personal note of encouragement – reflection, inspiration, stories, and sharing. It’s our way of helping you prepare for the week ahead. Add your details here to receive Here’s The Thing in your inbox.