The Game

Relational or transactional. We strive for one and reluctantly acquiesce to the ubiquity of the other. It weaves its way through commercial relations to human relations, a marker of a world possibly off the rails. The soul’s carnage and thirst for something better. Is it the cancer that eats its host, or are we active perpetrators that enable the disease?

I navigate social media’s roads, following those who seem to speak to my passions. A message left but unanswered except for a heartless like. An email to a seller, or person of interest ignored. A social overture spurned, signs of ambivalence at best, disdain at worse. A heart seeking a thoughtful discussion, a warm embrace, a look of acceptance and support that receives none. Is it any wonder why depression, and loneliness race through our culture at the speed of a viral disease? Is this a heartless game where the winner is defined by subscribers, followers, and bank balances?

A reset is desperately needed. A slower pace that understands that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. A driving interest in understanding the hopes and fears of others and a thirst to contribute to a better life for others. The scale of capitalism subordinated to one-on-one connections and meaningful conversations. Not a call for a woke culture, rather a call for a human culture. A culture driven by relations, not transactions.

There will always be those who disagree or dislike me. That I can accept when I know that there are others who are driven by a higher purpose, who see life as more than a winner take all mentality. We all need others we can turn to for a heartfelt conversation, thoughtful recommendations, solutions, a helping hand. The human game has evolved into a cutthroat dance where the participants around the table don’t see you, just the size of the kitty. We can continue to play this game or leave the table and start something better. Much better.