Politics, Judgment and Stunted Growth (Oh My!)

Fall has been a more emotional season for me. As trees are shaking off their final leaves and the morning sun gets more and more hesitant to rise, I find myself slowing down and leaning into my emotions. I’ve been taking a little extra time to curl into my journal. It feels good. It feels like time to rest and reflect. But, I also know that there are other areas in my life where having strong feelings is holding me back. My feelings can prevent me from showing up with curiosity. They can limit how long, or where, I gather information.

As a small business owner, social media is an important part of my work. But, as Fall fades, social media seems to be getting more and more charged. I’ve been distancing from people because of their political posts. This seems harmless enough, right? Maybe even healthy? But, I'm distancing from people who could also be helping me grow in other areas of my life. People who have been painting longer than me. People who have had more financial success in their art practice.

So, what's the growth point here, reader? Part of me is saying, let's get through this election and I’ll just find some other folks to connect with in the meantime. But, these are real people that I have had some form of relationship with. And, I could be learning from them right now. But, my emotional reaction to their politics is so strong that I’m forgetting all the other dimensions of their humanity and of our relationship. Ugh. I don't want to say this, but I think it’s holding me back. Fall may be the perfect time to rest and reflect, but it’s also an important time to connect with others as the days get darker. And, in those connections, we may just be able to do some growing.

So, this is my challenge for myself this week. Have my feelings. Have my strong reactions. And, then, zoom out and think about the whole person. Think about what they may be needing from me. And, then, think about what I could learn from them. And use those points to connect. I’m not saying I’m going to engage politically with people with different views or seek out conflict. I’m just saying I need to remember to not let one aspect of a person or situation hold me back.

Are you cringing a little bit as you read? Yeah, I’m also very ready for the Election to be over. But, this is a good opportunity for me to stay open and seek out connection. What's your challenge to yourself, reader? Anything I can do to help?

Stay engaged, curious and kind,