OCT 11, 2019 – Let’s face it, Cardies, because we’re people who want sweetness and light and for everyone to get along, these polarized times can be especially hard on us. So how about we close this week with the uplifting video of Ellen speaking out on her friendship with the second President Bush. Long story short, during the Packers/Cowboys game last Sunday, “They showed George and me laughing together, and some people got upset, saying, ‘Why is a gay, Hollywood liberal sitting next to a conservative, Republican President?’ Here’s the thing,” she explained. “I’m friends with George Bush. In fact, I’m friends with a lot of people who don’t share the same beliefs that I have. We’re all different, and sometimes I think that we’ve forgotten that that’s ok! Just because I don’t agree with someone on everything doesn’t mean I’m not going to be friends with them. When I say be kind to one another, I don’t mean only the people who think the same way you do; I mean everyone.”

Ellen’s perspective reminded us of an email we received a few weeks ago from Cardie Nancy McGinn, the selfsame Cardie who coined the great phrase, “Making the world a better place … one card at a time.” Nancy shared, “Just returned from a walk with my ultra-conservative friend. I call her my Conservative, and I’m her Liberal. (Haha, we sound like people who say, ‘I’m not prejudiced, I have a friend who is …’) I’m generally so glad we can discuss our strong political views without disrespecting each other,” Nancy said, “Although it is funny how much we raise our voices when trying to make our points! :) Just so thankful we can see much more in each other than where we stand politically.”

“There has likely never been a time when dialogue has been more important,” stresses Dr. Bob Wright of the Wright Foundation, which coaches leaders on using emotional intelligence to transform themselves and the world. “Yet we can get so stuck in the state of expressing our own opinions that a conversation degrades and becomes a hot mess before we ever find productive ground.” In a great article on agreeing to disagree, Dr. Wright explains that most people truly want to preserve their relationships. So, rather than entering into conversations assuming that we’ll ultimately have to agree to disagree in order to keep the peace, Dr. Wright encourages us to go into such discussions with the goal of walking away with a greater understanding and respect for each other. If we’re going to fight, better to “fight to find common ground,” he says. We considered that a wonderful point to hold on to, along with, “Always come back to the larger vision of your relationship.”

Just as we were about to end this story there, we received notice that Cardie Connie Mele had left a comment below last week’s newsletter about our new Faith in Humanity card. “I so appreciate Cardthartic developing cards reflecting issues today,” Connie wrote. “And you find a way to say it perfectly. I am always surprised — though I shouldn’t be by now — how your cards resonate within my soul. I cannot express my gratitude fully for all you do to make the world a better place with the cards you develop. Don’t ever question the impact your work has on the world.”

We appreciate the kind words, Connie, and need to point out that — without caring Cardies like you — all those cards would be collecting dust somewhere. It’s you, your full hearts and moving pens that are changing our world. So with thanks to Connie and Dr. Wright and Ellen and Nancy, too, for showing us all a smoother way, we plan to include one of our Heart-to-Heart cards FREE in every order you place in the coming week. Send them, please. Surprise that person you considered unfriending because of your differing views. Pop one in the mail to an opposing family member, paving the way for a happier Thanksgiving Dinner. Just don’t be like Cardie Donna Bonus who wrote us during a similar kumbaya-card giveaway leading up to the last election. “Now, mind you,” she teased, “I’ve got just two people I want to send these cards to … all the others are just plain wrong!!! (:-D”