Common Ground

Beginning a blog is an experience that I was both longing to try but also leary to expose my emotions so boldly for other's to judge.  I wrote the following entry on December 21, but have literally taken this long to feel comfortable posting.  After what happened in Arizona this month, I knew it was time to start talking.  Not that everyone or even anyone will listen, but I am going to try.

Common Ground
About a decade ago I wrote a poem about people living on different planes of existance. Trying, though mostly unsuccessfully, to co-exist.  The only goal was to not colide.  But that was an idea put in my head - and responded to. 
Personally, I love differences, but revel in our similarities.  We all should. That is what living is about.  Love. Not just man/woman, parent/child - but human to human - deep affection, appreciation and admiration.  Affection for our differences because they give us each our own 'definition.' Appreciation for our similarities, so others can find sympathy for our aflictions. And, admiration for each 'will' to find its own path.  
At this time of year, our sililarities are what should be noted.  Our mutual desire for good and justice to triumph over darkness lerking just around the next corner (or so you would be lead to believe).  At this time, just after the transition to the darkest time of the earth's cycle - we find a reason for jubilation.  Most celebrate a religious holiday, but all Humans celebrate the new year.  The beginning of new opportunity, the start of anything they desire.  Its like a reset button that brings us all together and open to change.
Searching for light has been the way of most living things on our planet - so from this time forward I invite you to look for the good. Stop trying to force our ways as supreme and open our heart and minds to the voices of innocence.  Ask a 4-year-old to describe his best friend and he will say he likes Blues Clues and we play cars together - Not that his skin is different than mine or he has poor parents.  When you find that someone in front of you is taking too long and you're late, consider that they may be late as well.  Or that they just had a really bad event just hit them head-on - leading to their current Conundrum (I love that word).
Remember, look for the good. Try to be in someone else's shoes - and try to find common ground.
A smile ALWAYS helps.