How One Conversation Can Save More Than The Ocean

Hi friend! Today we are talking about the power of having conversations. I believe having a conversation with someone can change a lot. I also want to explain how you can use it when talking about conservation or sustainability.

So you may be wondering what does this have to do with the ocean? Well, the truth is a conversation with someone is important for so much more than the ocean. Learning to have productive conversations can change relationships.

A conversation with someone about conservation or sustainability can be tricky but when you know how to do it minds began to open up. I was inspired to write about this from Adam Grant’s Book called Think Again. If you haven’t already read this book I recommend it! In his book, he is challenging the reader to rethink what we know. He also explains how you can have a conversation with someone who thinks differently than you. It is important when having a conversation with someone to come in with openness.

So how do you go about having the conversation? Well first listen. What do they have to say? This will probably be hard for many because it would be so easy to interrupt by saying why they are wrong and we are right. But hang in there with me friend, it’s important to let others know we are listening. Once they are done speaking ask your questions. This is the key. Ask the question about what would happen if the scenario was reversed? Ask what made them think this way? Another method is taking a moment to process the story and finding common ground. This is where we think critically and creatively. It might be easy to hear a story and just see the differences but let’s look closely and see what makes us common. It can be super small. You just need a tiny gap between a door to get it open so the same applies here. Do you live in a similar area, do you both like a sports team, or tv show. If you both like something that brought you two to like this thing, ask why?

Honestly, I wish I could give you a step-by-step on how to do this but I can’t. What I’ve come to learn is that it’s a lot of listening and thinking. Not every person is the same and neither is every situation. I’ve also learned that it first starts with us. Are we so set on the ways that we miss the point? I really like a quote I once heard “Where there are people there are problems.” I remember that the speaker further asked whether we are looking at those as problems as obstacles or opportunities? That is a mind shift. That is seeing a challenge and envisioning a solution or at the very least a step toward a solution. So as you can tell this method most definitely can be used with others who may not agree with you on conservation issues but I want you to see here that it goes beyond that. An honest and thoughtful conversation can change relationships and lives. It creates bridges where there are gaps.

I hope this blog found you well friends! Let me know if you’ve had to have a difficult conversation with someone, just comment yes or no.