Three Tips to Unify this Thanksgiving (ep. 414) - a podcast by John OLeary

“History teaches us that unity is strength, and cautions us to submerge and overcome our differences in the quest for common goals.” -Haile Selassie

While the tradition of Thanksgiving began around 1621, it wasn't declared a national holiday for another 242 years. And why is this significant?

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln was President in the middle of the Civil War, a chaotic crisis with profound divisiveness and great uncertainty of our nation. It was then he declared a day to pause and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives that we share.

In a season where it’s easy to further build the walls that divide us, tune in to hear three simple tips that will allow us to focus on the things that unify, bind and heal.

SHOW NOTES:

• Read Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation here.
• Three ways to build connections:
  1. Own the conversation from the start. And I’m not suggesting to get the first word in, be more adamant, and set the stage for winning the debate. Instead, start conversations by speaking (or silently if you prefer!) these words: “I love you. And, no, there is nothing you can do about it.”
  2. Actively listen as if they are the only person. Busy with the unimportant, we lessen our ability to connect in positive ways with our children (negatively affecting their self-esteem), with our partners (negatively affecting intimacy and connectivity), and with ourselves (negatively affecting our sense of who we are and what actually matters).
  3. Be passionately curious as if their opinion actually matters... because it does! Ask elucidating questions if you need clarifying information or perspective from another point of view. This allows for the opportunity to elaborate, be heard, educate and perhaps even persuade another. Far from dividing, it actually serves as an awesome opportunity to unite.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love learning the longstanding tradition Live Inspired community member Rona’s family does before their Thanksgiving meal. Listen to ep. 206 here.

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