A 1st Birthday and Reboot of "Us AND Them"

A THREE MINUTE READ

One year ago, I sent the following words out into the world - to all four of my subscribers.

“Thousands of years, and as many wars, are proof that we humans really struggle to get along. There’s an enduring sense that if people can’t be like us, they’re of lesser value. Kind of like, if people can’t sing the right notes in a choir because their pitch is too high or too low, we just kick them to the curb. Well, as a society, we have another option. We could, as a melting pot of diverse humans, pursue the fine art of harmonizing with each other.”

Today, I’m inclined to add - Do we really think we can change another person, or would our time be better spent trying to connect with them? Positive change comes from within. In the real world it’s organic, but we can provide a comfortable place for it to start. My wife and my chief source of inspiration has done exactly that in the most gracious of manners for four-plus decades. See my autobiographical story about “Daniel.”

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Over the last year, both my newsletter, “Us AND Them,” and I, have grown. My overall mission has always been to help move our collective focus away from that which divides us toward that which unites and therefore sustains us. And so it will be.

I’ve spent a large portion of my waking hours trying to work through the best ways to amplify what I believe is a critical message and hopefully my newsletters convey some of the fruits of those efforts.

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It is with the tremendous support of my readers, subscribers, and gifted writers, that I’ve reflected on my path going forward from here. I carry with me a better sense of what I have to offer. Now that I have been paying closer attention, I realize that I do have some worthy listening skills and I’d like to put them to good use - with you all going along for the ride.

Photo by Andrej Lisakov - Unsplash

I’m excited about the prospect of taking my quest for deeper conversations out “on the road.” Sitting down at a keyboard may be my best means of sharing ideas and stories, but I’m way too hyped to live here. Some of my richest days have featured random encounters with strangers when we actually get to dig beneath the decaying surface matter to where our growing roots are entwined.

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Photography by author

You may recall my post about a Vet, Stranded, Broke and Hungry. Based on the heartfelt comments I received, I know that my post resonated deeply with many of my readers. I’d like to put myself “out there” more, going to where more of those organic connections can happen - maybe on long bus rides to Chicago, or train rides from Chicago to Smallville where some people are so bored that they’d actually talk to a stranger. It’s almost magical when it happens.

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As my discretionary funds are limited, I recognize that my “Road Excursions” will be limited as well. But who can put a price tag on someone being provided a non-judgmental place to tell their story, maybe for the first time in years?

And here’s where you all come in!

First, I really appreciate the support that’s been showered upon me by kind people like yourselves. The restacks, comments, and “likes,” surely keep me afloat from day to day. But it’s the “New Subscriber” notices in my inbox that put the wind in my sails. They’re the most tangible evidence that a growing number of people are not only concerned about the problem of division in our world, but also interested in the things we can do personally to “tone it down.”

Secondly, sharing my posts with those you feel may be interested, would be a tremendous help in spreading the word.

I’ve been reminded on a number of occasions that my writing efforts and mission have value, so I think it’s only fair that I give people the opportunity to support my work in whatever way they choose and are able. Please feel free to try out my new - “Become a paid subscriber” button.

You are the reason that I am here, and I thank each one of you, Mark

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