Finding Common Ground

Talking with a friend the other day, we stumbled into a conversation about finding common ground. While she and I have much in common, we were discussing how we like to find common ground with others. Just so the comfort level opens up as that seems to make bonding easier with them. We can get to know them. Because let’s be honest. We’re all similar…we’re humans! We have lots in common whether you believe it or not!

“We all put our pants on in the same way – one leg at a time!”

I remember the first time I had to go to a gala, you know, one of those big fancy dinner dances. I was nervous as I hadn’t experienced that sort of party before and there would be a lot of people there who were used to going to them when I wasn’t. I felt ok with my hair, makeup and dress, but still, I was a bit nervous because I was feeling out of my league…until someone reminded me that we all put our pants on the same way and that phrase has stuck with me whenever I think I may feel out of place.

As humans, we’re all the same. As people, we are different. But inside, well, I feel like we have more in common than some people may think…Mind you, there are degrees to everything. I may have a higher pain tolerance than you, but we still bleed when cut. We may differ in degrees of how much we yowl at the pain, but the pain is still there. Do you understand?

We like to be seen and not ignored. We yearn to be accepted and loved by our ohana (family). We want to put our heads down on the pillow with peace in our hearts. We long to know that we mean something to someone else – that we are thought of and will be missed if we’re not there – that our presence is felt and that somehow, in some way, we make positive difference in someone else’s life.

Well, maybe that’s just me? Or can you find common ground with me in this scenario? How do you feel? What do you long for? Where is our common ground? Do you seek common ground with others?

By the way, answer me this please:

Which leg do you raise first to put your pants on?

I start with my left! LOL