What if we shared stories and experiences instead of shouting opinions and beliefs?

The news, legacy media, and so many on social media have made shouting opinions their primary form of communication.  I’m sure this helps headlines and the monetization effort that is prized in our society, but opinions and beliefs are not facts, and just polarize us more.  Opinions and far too often beliefs don’t allow for a shared experience or connection.  It is a one-way conversation with one person forcing their thoughts on another.  Experiences hold truth. Opinions hold feelings. And, it is in sharing our stories that we connect.  We see ourselves in each other and find that common ground we so desperately seek.  Has social media played its part in the divide?  Yes. Does legacy media bear responsibility as well?  Yes. But we share in that responsibility by letting ourselves be entertained instead of doing the messy work of truly listening, sharing our stories, and seeing ourselves in one another.  I invite you to give it try and be messy.  Do the work.  Listen to another person’s story and share yours.  There is magic waiting to happen. 

This is my experience in connecting with others.  What is yours?

~When we listen to another person’s story and share ours, there is magic waiting to happen.~