A good friend mentioned the other day that she was struck by the statement, “we all cry the same color of tears.” What she relayed stayed with me. I thought about that statement…a lot. There’s so much about us that’s similar, yet we too often focus on our differences. I want us to unite behind what we share. I am convinced that we have a lot more in common than we think, if we only decide to stop and reflect.

Focusing on what we share will let us get so much more done, realize so much more potential, and see so many more people reach their dreams. Dissent has its place, but focusing on it exclusively bars the progress we all want to make.

It wasn’t all that hard to come up with a long list of what we have in common. I mostly likely share the things on my list with anyone who reads through it. That sharedness reaches across people of all colors, backgrounds, ethnicities, educational levels, social economic aspirations, classes, religions and cultures. The commonalities inspire me. Here’s my list:

Each of us (in no particular order)

• Wants to be heard
• Wants to be safe
• Wants to experience success
• Wants to define success for ourselves
• Wants good relationships
• Wants to feel good about what we do
• Wants to laugh, long and loud…often
• Wants the freedom to learn about things we choose
• Wants the freedom to speak
• Wants others to see us for who we really are
• Wants others to listen
• Wants good heath
• Wants access to good health care
• Wants to be safe
• Wants a comfortable place to live
• Wants peace in our lives
• Wants a happy family
• Wants to be able to explore possibilities
• Wants opportunities without roadblocks
• Wants to look good
• Wants good friends
• Wants a comfortable bed
• Wants modern amenities like running water, electricity and transportation
• Wants plenty to eat
• Wants to feel good in what we wear
• Wants to be recognized for a job well done
• Wants to be encouraged by others
• Wants the opportunity for entertainment and relaxation
• Wants to have choices in all circumstances
• Wants a sense of community and belonging
• Wants personal prosperity
• Wants safe and convenient public infrastructures
• Wants to work and wants the opportunity to advance at work
• Wants a sustainable future

And we all cry the same color of tears. I hope that you relate to with what’s on my list. There’s a lot that we do share. It’s my conviction that when we unite over our commonalities, we can do a lot of good despite our differences. Join me in my quest to do more together. May that be our focus.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author.