New Year Reflections & Resolutions

Every year during the odd period between Christmas and the New Year when no one knows what day it is, I, like many others, spend that time reflecting on the year closing and considering the one about to begin. Aside from the more personal and professional changes I made this year, my big focus for 2022 was attempting to better embody the behaviours I believe can lead us to a saner, wiser, and more tolerant world.

As was once said to me, “a cultural line in the sand begins with drawing individual lines.” Over the last twelve months, I resolved to draw my line while encouraging others to do the same. During the next twelve, I pledge to continue doing just that, primarily by trying to be more empathetic and improving my epistemic skills. Whereby, I hope to contribute positively to the emergence of something resembling a healthier culture.

More Empathy

There is a colossal empathy deficit in the world today – and it is at the root of many of our biggest problems. So quick now is the general tendency to judge others without first taking the time to understand their experiences, challenges, and thought processes, I believe reducing this deficit to be one of our most pressing concerns. But how?

Well, as the adage goes, before we judge someone, first, we should “walk a mile in their shoes.” So, for instance…