# @hellomeridian on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CGOhW9lp9n_
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/16281175-hellomeridian-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/ee363975cd.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-10-12T02:34:42.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Natalie ▫️ Boise & Idaho Social Media Creator/ Podcaster (@hellomeridian) — https://gondola.cc/hellomeridian

## Caption

Let’s talk about the word “And”.
It’s a very simple word, but I think merits some discussion.
Conversation is important right now as our world, country, and even community are in upheaval.
With the election coming up, an open dialogue is more important than ever. 

I’m personally not a very black-and-white person. I don’t believe there’s such a thing. 
Our world is too nuanced, and black and white is just a little too easy. 
One thing I do believe in, is the word “And”.
It feels like perhaps it’s a word we’ve forgotten.
Here are some of my personal “AND’s. I’d love to hear yours. 
* I support “Black Lives Matters” AND our police department. 
* I see problematic issues with both “Black Lives Matters” AND police departments. 
* I am a Christian woman AND love & welcome people of all sexual orientations.
*  I am a proud American AND do not claim one of our two political parties as my own.
* I am a wife, mother AND feminist.
* I live in Idaho AND am part of my global community.
* I realize that the Treasure Valley is growing at a pace that is terrifying AND welcome my new neighbors with open arms. 
* I’m an educated, thoughtful person AND I realize that I have been sheltered in my happy white community, and have much to learn.
* I can disagree with someone AND listen with empathy. AND not make them my enemy. 
It seems as though we’re trying to simplify our life so much, that we forget about the “AND”. There are 1 million ways to be, and so many of them are good. If we stay trapped inside of our own personal perception of how the world works, everything will seem like a threat.

If we really listen to those people around us, we might find that we’re not so far apart from each other. It might just take listening to help this precarious situation move into positivity.

What are your “AND”s. How are you feeling this far into 2020?

Amazing shot by kimhitstheroad

#hellomeridian #communityovercorona #coccidaho

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## Tags

hellomeridian, communityovercorona, coccidaho

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