One of the things I often share with people in my network is the importance of being in relationship with all kinds of people, those we agree with and those we don’t. Diverse circles expand our perspective in ways echo chambers cannot. Today I had the opportunity to sit with leaders at both the state and federal level, to hear the backstory behind the decisions they make. Every choice we see publicly has layers of context, and every opinion has multiple perspectives.
I’m also grateful for the experience of being seen.
In one meeting, I was initially not allowed into the room until someone facilitating stopped and said,
“No, he is important to this discussion.”
It reminded me of how often we unconsciously sort people into “worthy” and “not worthy.” I remain grateful for the perspective that every person has value, and everyone is worthy to be in the room.