When we meet someone who is very different from us, we can be quick to dismiss them because how they think and believe doesn't make sense to us. Sometimes, the differences are so fundamental that there can be no reconciliation or compromise.

Is it still possible to love those people?

What I’ve discovered is that most people in any given community are there for the same reasons I am, to feel a sense of belonging. They’re hoping to find genuine connections, to share knowledge and interests, and create lasting friendships.

This journey can also pose many challenges and dilemmas, such as how authentic is too authentic? Should I always tell the truth about how I feel? Is the world around me ready to hear my truths?

There are many self-improvement books and lectures that talk about the Ego being the voice of fear and limitation. What they don’t typically talk about is that the Ego is also our self-identity, our sense of self-worth, and who we are as an individual.

Many people who talk about empowering others to become more motivated and fulfill their potential, yet when they meet a truly empowered individual, they hold back their support or are even quick to tear them down.

I believe teachers become teachers because they’ve got something to offer, and I get great satisfaction helping others achieve their goals. Pretty soon that ripple becomes bigger and bigger and we create a world we really want to live in.

There was a great sense of pride and honor in growing food. I feel that sense of pride is returning, and with a beautiful vengeance. Because more and more people are realizing the kind of damage that has been done to our planet as well as our health over the years and want to make some changes.

We naturally want to be of service to those in need. We love the opportunity to better someone’s life or experience. So why is it that when it’s our turn to ask for help we fear and hesitate?