In It Together

The other day I was talking to a professional colleague of mine. I’d say this woman is a friend, but I’m protective of the weight that the word “friend” carries. She’s more of an acquaintance, though I do like her very much. Most of our contacts over the years have been related to business, with some socializing thrown in for good measure here and there.

Anyway, we were talking the other day. Really talking. And by this I mean we were opening up to each other about business-related challenges, frustrations, questions, and even failures. Once we started down that road in our conversation it got to a point where we couldn’t turn back. We were sharing, commiserating, advising… and throughout it all we began to realize that, indeed, we had both gone through some difficult times, but our stories are really not that unique.

And you know what? Sharing, gaining the perspective of someone else… it really does make everything better.

So, the next time you feel the urge to share something personal, or something that makes you a bit vulnerable, with someone, maybe you should take a deep breath and give it a shot. The truth of the matter is, we are all on this earth together, and at the end of the day, all of us are more alike than different. So, let’s start opening up more, trusting just a little and holding each other up. For that is how we are going to achieve great things. Never alone, but as a united front – one that wants success and goodness for all.