the art of connecting with others

For the past seven years, I have made a living as a consultant. I am a natural problem solver and strategic thinker. I find curiosity in the unknown and love a good game of strategy. Growing up, I recall playing checkers (mostly at the Cracker Barrel, but that's beside the point). I loved the game because you were able to connect with another person through a simple exercise.

Now, when I see this image of a checkerboard, I realize it only tells part of a much larger story. Sure it's a game...but what if we tried to relate to people by playing “checkers” with them—treating them all alike, expecting the same things out of each of them, handling them like some generic product on a shelf. What if we treated people more like chess pieces - we discover what is unique about each person and relate to people based on their beautiful differences.

Speaking of connecting, I immediately connected with Better Nothing Than Almost's image below.  She wrote, "sometimes, when I look at photos I can hear certain music in my head, and this is what I hear when I look at this one." Much like checkers, "Connect Four" is a game of strategy...but also a game between two people...an opportunity to be "close to you." The pieces may all look a like, but if we pay attention we'll realize that it's not about the game, but the art of connecting with others.

Until next time,
Ashley of Ramblings and Photos

counting by better nothing than almost