“When the sea is too rough to sail, the smart ones don’t wait – they get to work. They mend their nets, sharpen their tools, and prepare for the moment the storm breaks. Because even in stillness, there’s progress. It’s not about sitting idle; it’s about building what’s next.”
[source unknown]
Our world is in turmoil. Profit and self-centred interest have taken the front seat while our humanity is pushed into the back seat. A time of increased polarization, creating a tense atmosphere that presents only two sides: us versus them, black and white, good and evil.
This climate is the perfect breeding ground for a phenomenon like Trumpism whose ideology appears to be taking the world by storm. A situation that, to many, feels overwhelming, frustrating, and even frightening.
In such situation, some feel compelled to confront the storm by becoming keyboard warriors, passionately proclaiming their version of the “truth” to the opposing side, firmly believing that their perspective is the only legitimate one. Others choose to shut themselves off by simply closing their eyes.
But there is a third option: the one of coming together, listening, showing empathy, and striving to understand the root of the anger and frustration that leads to polarization or, even worse, radicalization. In other words: mending nets, sharpening tools, and preparing for the moment when the storm breaks.
I find great solace (and joy!) in meeting up on a monthly basis with a group of people to playfully engage with the Inner Development Goals (IDG). The IDG framework consists of 5 dimensions and 23 skills of human inner growth to catalyse outer change. The 5 dimensions are Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating and Acting.
Recently, we delved deeply into the dimension of Relating, which was divided into three segments: 1) relating to oneself, 2) relating to those around us, and 3) relating to the wider world.
One of the exercises we participated in was quite revealing. We were asked to list at least three superheroes, whether they were real or fictional. Beneath each name, we noted the qualities or skills we admired in them. After a few minutes of reflection, came the surprising twist! We were instructed to cross out the superhero’s name and replace it with our own. Initially, seeing my name in place of those heroes felt strange. However, it made me realize that I too possess the potential to inspire and create an impact. In fact, many of the qualities I admired were traits I already had!
So, what did this exercise teach me? The qualities I admire in others are often reflections of my own. Conversely, it also implies that when I perceive “flaws” in others, I may be recognizing my own shortcomings (it takes one, to know one)!
Self-awareness is the key to transformation. When we embrace both our strengths and weaknesses, we empower ourselves to approach relationships with greater empathy and understanding, recognizing that we are all mirrors to one another. This shift in perspective not only leads to personal growth but also fosters a sense of unity, connectedness, allowing our humanity to take the front seat again.