It’s amazing how much our mindset affects our opinions and life experience. For my work I talk to people from all over the United States, and you can just feel the differences in perspective. The climate and geography affects how we view the world. Our regional economies pull on our beliefs for what is possible. And the people we surround ourselves with generate a momentum that influences our lives. Even the day of the week imprints on our daily psychology—why do we feel better on Friday’s?

We are working toward a better global support system. With criminal justice reform, with improved education and more accessible healthcare, the living conditions of billions around the planet will improve. It takes a lot of work to make it happen. But it also requires an understanding of the sheer diversity in perspective that exists out there. Traditional “barriers” such as language, culture and time zone prevail, but in order to unlock them we first must be aware of the fundamental differences in our life experience. When we strive to understand each other’s center, we will realize how deep our connection truly is. Through empathy and awareness, we can change the world.