Horizons Expand

"Some strive to make themselves great. Others help others 

see and find their own greatness. It's the latter who really 

enrich the world we live in."

Rasheed Ogunlaru

If we believe life is a race, we will be obsessed with competition and winning.  We will be self-focused, leaving others in our 'dust'.  If we believe life is a journey, we will be curious and inclusive.  It would seem that when we cease to be exclusive, our horizons expand! 

It is important to be able to offer our best to the world.  If we attempt to excel on our own, we may be successful, but not as compassionate and diverse, When we allow others to engage, we begin to nurture collectively and diversely. 

When we choose to climb a ladder, stepping upon others as we proceed, we can arrive at the top, but for how long?  Often, resentment, jealousy, and anger becomes retaliated. The results are different if we clasp hands with others along the way, allowing others to become a part of our journey celebrating a reflective outcome.

Varying Degrees

"We're merely one tree with various types,

shapes and size of leaves that all wave

differently in the breeze."

Rasheed Ogunlaru

We gathered the children around the table and scooted in the little chairs.  Each child was given identical supplies:  safety scissors, construction paper, and glue.  We kept the directions simple, but I asked them to make a picture.  None of the results were identical, but there were a few similarities in varying degrees.

The same held  true as we gathered adults around a fire and be quested each one share a favorite piece of wisdom.  Each person participating had a unique response ... none were identical but there were a few similarities in varying degrees.  

Human beings have common aspects as well as varying degrees of similarity.  Life is far more enjoyable when we see our differences through the eyes of respect without emphasis of what element is better than another.  We do not all learn in the same way, so it is intentional to have wisdom shared from diverse perspectives.  Let us remember to wave at each other in the breeze, showing an array of colors, sizes, and shapes.