Opportunity, Not Opposition

Once we've begun to define and revise our relationship with ourselves, we can also start to examine our interactions with others. How do I treat them? How do I act and react? What are my expectations? What can I learn or gain to help myself grow? How can I make a connection? There is always something to be learned or taught, but we must be aware and conscientious of it. It's time we start to give ourselves and everyone else the benefit of the doubt...some credit...a chance...to improve ourselves, our relationships, and the planet. We are capable. We are varied. Our idiosyncrasies are unique and extraordinary, they define us, but they should not divide us.

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships/effective-communication.htm
(Helpful, basic communication information)

Who says differences separate? Must disagreement lead to argument? Or can we make diversity our strength by choice? Human interaction, communication, judgement, love, hatred; these are simply ideas, not bound by laws or limits except those our minds create. We can move past these notions of separation and division to focus our lives around a common goal, like that of preservation and sustainability. To strive for, as a race, lessening our impact on our environment and prolonging our time here. Working together, despite any difference, and in cooperation with nature's rhythm of evolution, in order to understand how to proceed living without wreaking havoc on our ultimate home.

It begins with individuals; we create our own reality. We must be authentic and not let society's 'norms', nor the things we know, limit or dictate our thoughts and actions. With this freedom our possibilities are infinite and varied, and the power of choice is easily utilized. We can lead by example, allowing even the most stubborn minds to know that it's possible to break through blockades like fear, expectations, and insecurities. We can each start an individual movement, that grows exponentially, by exercising our right to EXERT CONSCIENTIOUS OPTIONS, MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

**Put It into Practice**

The goal is to work on ourselves as individuals, to truly know and love who we are so we can connect with others who are similar, and learn from those who are different. These relationships between us, both exploring similarities and attempting to understand differences, they are essential to creating a positive dialog and things like empathy or support. Clear up misunderstandings, ask questions, be an active listener and a conscious communicator because we are all capable - we may just need to work on it. It's about doing. Practice makes perfect so use every interaction as a chance to open a new realm of possibilities.
http://www.austincc.edu/colangelo/1318/interpersonalcommunicationcompetence.htm
(Basic communication information for interpersonal relationships)