Shared Humanity Can Conquer Adversity

On some level, we’ve all dealt with hardship, loss, fear, confusion, pain, and the need to persevere through ups and downs. These common experiences, if we are willing to openly share and acknowledge them, have immense power to reduce feelings of loneliness in difficult times. Shared humanity includes:

Vulnerability – We’ve all felt exposed, insecure, and emotionally raw at times. Sharing our vulnerabilities can help alleviate suffering.

Resilience – People universally have an inner capacity to adapt to life’s challenges. Bonding over past resiliency builds hope.

Courage – Everyone has been afraid and everyone has found the courage to push forward. Stories of courage can inspire others.

Loss – Grief, regret, endings, and disappointments are inevitable parts of life. We can empathize no matter the specific loss.

Inner strength – However weak we feel, the human spirit has an inner spark. Bonding over even small acts of perseverance fans that spark.

Overcoming – We’ve all withstood difficulties, in ways big and small. Relating that builds confidence we can do it again.

Hope – However hopeless things get, no one is immune to some light of hope within. Fan each other’s hopes in dark times.

Kindness – Everyone craves kindness, and everyone can find moments to give it. Lead with compassion.

Community – Humans inherently need tribes, packs or some sense of belonging. Create that for each other.

Oneness – Beneath surface differences, we share so much as living, breathing, caring human beings. Remember that.

These parts of human nature belong to no one exclusively. Tapping into them by sharing vulnerability, hopes, stories of resilience, and acts of compassion can help get us through anything. The path is smoother when we walk together.

Adversity will continue to be part of life. But instead of going it alone, lean on the healing power of human connection. Foster diverse communities, lead with compassion, share stories, and recognize the strength inherent in our shared humanity. With bonds to help cushion and make sense of life’s hardest hits, we are capable of so much more than we know. What we share is greater than any challenge one of us might face. Together, we can conquer adversity.