10 Things I’ve Learned as a Human

I’ve been a human being for…a long, long time. And I’ve learned a few things over the years. I suspect some from the list will resonate. And some might…cause you to disagree with me. 😁 

Without further ado.

1. Life is complex, dynamic, nuanced, and a contact sport. There is no playbook. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. There are many “right” paths to whatever success looks like for each of us.    

2. Belief systems and ideologies, by and large, cause more division than connection. They tend to create a sense of “other” toward those that don’t share similar beliefs. This is very different from believing in ourselves.

3. Hatred and hypocrisy starve and taint our souls; kindness and compassion feed and nurture our souls.

4. Disagreement is a part of the human journey. Disagreeing with someone else is not a problem — it’s how we handle disagreeing with someone else.

5. We will ALL go through dark periods in our life. Those moments that seem impossible to move beyond. Those deep chasms that seem impossible to escape.

6. In the words of Robin Williams, everyone we meet is fighting a battle we know nothing about. Every single one of us has our own internal struggles and demons.

7. Happiness – true happiness – isn’t an emotion or fleeting sensation. It’s rooted in our soul. And we can learn to be happy.

8. As a people, we have FAR more in common with each other than many of us tend to believe.

9. We all feel like stupid, bumbling idiots the first time we try something new or start a new job.

10. Space and grace may be the most important gift we can give to ourselves.

Until next week.

Andy

(All written content created the old-fashioned way.)