MISTAKES

Part of being human is making mistakes. Some of us have no problem owning up to them. Others feel they would lose their authority, or feel diminished, if they admitted they had taken a wrong turn. Saying 'I'm sorry' or 'I screwed up' or 'I made a mistake' are words I've said more times than I can count. It's a freeing experience for those who have never tried it. And I think it creates a strong human connection and provides the opportunity for forgiveness.

Why am I thinking about this today? Mostly because there are hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of people, neighbors and friends, who supported Trump in his early days and might have regrets today. Unsure of what to do or say, they remain silent and perhaps feel ashamed. And that's sad for themselves and for the rest of us. I admit I'm also a little sheepish about bringing up the topic, fearful it might lead to blows. At the same time, I think it's worth the risk. 

The funny thing is, I've yet to hear from anyone the reasons why they supported Trump in the first place. I really would like someone to tell me what he said that made them feel they could vote for him. Was it because he is a Republican and they've always voted for a Republican? Was it because they thought he wouldn't increase taxes? Or perhaps they believed that immigration had gotten out of hand. I've yet to have a thoughtful dialogue about these or any other views with a Trump supporter.  

Life is, after all, a journey, an education. We're supposed to learn through experience and dialogue, how to navigate and grow, how to expand our awareness and intellect. It doesn't stop because we've finished our formal education or reached the last fifth of our lives. It's the spice that makes life worth living.

Smooth waters; rocky terrain