We're All In This Together

The world seems to be tilting on it's axis right now. Financial markets rise and then plummet, see-sawing up and down fast enough to induce nausea. Political candidates jab at one another like tired prize fighters, and stammer to explain their positions on issues of global and lasting importance. If you stop long enough to think about the future, you may just end up in tears. I do. It all seems so uncertain.

At times like these, it pays to remember that we're all in this together.

Anxiety has a way of making you feel more alone and more vulnerable. Life feels less like an adventure and more like a threat when you're isolated. It's a vicious downward spiral.

This week we're visiting my family in California. As we waited for our flight at the airport Tuesday, I followed my busy toddler around the terminal. He pointed out planes, climbed on the chairs, and ran circles around other waiting passengers.

And he hugged people. That's right. Mama's little cling-monster broke free of his stranger anxiety at Washington's Reagan National Airport. He ran full speed ahead, darting and dashing between people until another child caught his attention. And then, without warning or pretense, he ran to his fellow pint-sized traveler, arms open wide, and gave them a hug. And they hugged him back.

He made friends with one young boy, Cameron, who was on his way home to Park City, Utah after visiting his Grandma in Virginia. We explained we were on our way to visit Carson's Grandma, who lives in California. The boys played in the airport gate area and talked at the back of the plane in line for the lavatory. Fast friends indeed.

Grown ups don't approach others this way. We hustle and bustle along, getting things done, worrying about how we'll pay the bills, whether we're teaching our kids the right lessons, and what tomorrow will bring. And the weight of our responsibilities seems to rest on our narrow shoulders alone.

Perhaps what we need is more hugs -- a stronger sense of camaraderie with others. Life is, after all, a daring adventure, or nothing at all. And we're all in this together.

Comments

[Chris]

I think you're on to something. In the office I'm currently in, I am chastised because I like to engage people in conversation instead of just ignoring the human side and making love to the keyboard. When the Intel folks come through in the morning, I enjoy talking and engaging about life for a few minutes...the rest of the office rolls their eyes and wants just the basic intel facts so they can get back to their lonely existence...SAD!

[Louise]

Little ones are honest - we always know what mood they're in. I think people who are adults who are honest are considered naive. I agree we could all benefit from a lot more hugs and other affirmations. Leaving ourselves open requires trusting the other person not to take advantage of our vulnerabilities. Do you remember when Charlie Brown trusted Lucy to hold the football for him to kick? ( Peanuts comic strip.) She always promised to be good, then snatched the ball away at the last minute. That is how most people are!