Sometimes the simplest actions are the most profound. In this case, it was shoveling snow off my driveway from the most recent snowstorm. Shoveling snow can be one of the great equalizers and opportunities to bring neighbors together who otherwise may not talk to each other that much. I remember when my husband and I first moved into our new single-family home in Fairfax County in 2015/2016. We had just moved in during December and that January we had a huge blizzard with over 20 inches of snow. We lived on a private drive in a subdivision with five houses, and we all were responsible for clearing the long private shared driveway. Nobody had a snow blower, so we all had to get out and help each other dig out the snow. It was a great opportunity to meet and get to know our neighbors. Those times seem so distant from the divided and disturbing times we find our country and communities in right now. Like many, I’ve been feeling so many different emotions watching what is happening in Minnesota and fearing for my country. But yesterday, I felt a small glimmer of hope while shoveling snow with neighbors.
While shoveling snow, I had the opportunity to talk more closely with a neighbor and discuss the current situation in our country. We had never talked about anything like this before, and I wasn’t sure where he leaned politically. Having witnessed many friends and family over the past 10 years reveal their beliefs that I find not only politically opposite to me, but also morally and ethically opposite of what I believe, I was honestly fearful where the conversation would go with the neighbor. But during our snow shoveling we talked respectfully to each other and quickly agreed upon our shared humanity, respect for human life, our constitution, truth, facts, and legal and ethical behavior by law enforcement and our government. We didn’t get too deep into each subject, but I felt common ground that is missing in our country. We got off social media and just had an honest conversation while shoveling snow. And that gives me hope for our country and future. I’m not naïve to believe that all the things that are tearing our country apart right now will be resolved by having a single conversation. But I do believe that each conversation is one more link connecting us as neighbors, communities, fellow Americans and as a country to get back to a better place, a united place. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is simply talk face-to-face and listen to each other to find common ground. And doing that while shoveling snow is as good a time and place to begin this winter. So, as always, I encourage you to reflect on when you’ve experienced similar situations and conversations while shoveling snow or another activity with a neighbor. How did you feel after the conversation? Did it give you a different insight or inspiration for how things can change for the better? Consider what activities you can do to create space for similar conversations. Whether it is shoveling snow, mowing grass, raking leaves, or any other community activity where you meet your neighbors, consider how you may engage with someone new and begin the healing we need in our country and world. Listen to their stories and share your stories to find common ground, because as always, your story matters.
