Having a lot of time on my hands, and being, I admit, an admirer of a well crafted beer, it is not the reason however, that I frequent the pub at all. In fact, I am there because of the other people that are there also.

In the last few years, my life has changed dramatically, during which time I have embraced and been adopted by a whole new cadre of friends, where education, background, profession, religion, gender, or political leanings are discussed, but are not defining. Sports however is another issue.

My career was with a major corporation in a white collar world, and as a manager, my personal interfaces were mostly with my peers. That is where I lived, both physically and mentally. Visions and paradigms were shaped and embraced by that environment. And yes, I have been guilty of feeling disdain for some outside that circle that walked where I had for the most part, never been.

Today, I enjoy the company and conversation of a much broader circle of friends. Some, like me, come from a corporate background, but not many. Most are tradesmen. They are truck drivers, tile setters, electricians, account managers, barbers, salesmen, mechanics, construction workers, and carpet cleaners. Most never worked for or have even been near a corporation. However, some own their own business, and others work independently. In some cases, their disdain for “management” is palpable. I never understood that when I ‘was’ one. But, through spending a little time together sharing our diverse opinions, stories, backgrounds, experiences, and yes, a beer or two, I began to realize that regardless of where we have been, or where we are now, we have more in common then we ever realized. We are in fact, pretty much the same. In many cases we came from similar environments. Life just led us in different directions.

I have found that many of their stories are my stories. Much of what they have done, I have done. The issues, problems, circumstances, and yes, losses and loves hurt all of us equally. It often takes a while before we are ready to reveal who we are, internally. First, we have to develop a trust in the person sitting opposite us. But slowly, and guardedly, we begin to reveal ourselves. Anecdotes and memories begin to intertwine with each others. Stories seldom if ever told before, begin to evolve.

Three years ago, I did not know most of them. But time and opportunity allowed us to lower our defenses and communicate. What we found was the real person, the real feelings and opinions that, agree or not, makes today what it is. We are in fact, all the same you see. We just pursued different paths. We went where life took us. And now, we have an opportunity to share our experiences.

Someone once said “out of the darkness comes light”. I believe that is true. There is me. There is you. And, thanks to a willingness to communicate, there is us. One voice is important. Two voices start the fire. Many voices the flame.