Two Things Can Be True

I look out one window and see hurricane-like rain and wind pelting the glass. I look skeptically at a tree in the yard; if this keeps up, I give it low odds of surviving the night. “Oh boy, we’re definitely in for it.” Then I step into another room, look out the window, and see blazing sunshine. It’s just a typical summer day in the neighborhood.

Really. I’m not making this up. Same house, two different weather patterns outside.

Two contradictory things can be true at the same time.

A person can be terrible for society—robbing, cheating, and causing chaos like Bonnie and Clyde on a multi-state tirade—while still being kind and loyal to others.

A parent can be completely exhausted and desperate for an hour of quiet, while loving their children beyond measure.

And you can be deeply grieving the loss of a loved one while at the very same time experiencing moments of genuine joy and gratitude for life.

Two contradictory things can be true at the same time.

A leader can be incredibly tough and rigid, demanding absolute perfection, while caring deeply about the personal well-being of his or her team.

You can accept and love yourself exactly as you are—imperfections, writing errors, and human flaws included—while actively working every day to grow and improve.

A friend jokes that he wants complete independence, yet he secretly craves deep connection.

Life is full of paradoxes like that. It’s a challenge, but it’s what makes us human.

Two contradictory things can be true at the same time.