Shared goals, different ways to get there

“Wimberley’s heritage is precious . . . tomorrow’s promise is priceless.”

- Patti Morgan, Ladies about Town: Reflections on a Wimberley Legacy

Prior to living in the Wimberley Valley, I lived on Monument Hill, between Colorado Springs and Denver, overlooking the majesty of Pikes Peak. One day, distracted by life’s events, I was stopped for speeding. The police officer said, “I’m not going to give you a ticket because you’re new . . . but didn’t you move here to enjoy a ‘slower’ lifestyle and the beauty of nature?” He was absolutely right. I never forgot his wise words.

Now I live amidst beauty in the Wimberley Valley. We all agree that our natural environment is precious. It’s our responsibility to preserve it for future generations. Yet, we do not agree on ‘how’ to do it. That’s always true initially because we have different life experiences, expertise and beliefs. How could it be otherwise?

The question is, are we willing to learn from our diverse ideas in order to arrive at a balanced solution we can accept? One shift would make it possible. Listening with genuine curiosity – putting ourselves in another’s shoes. Being open to seeing things in a new light. It’s a choice we can make on a daily basis to better understand our neighbors and see new possibilities for moving forward.

Our future is a shared one. We are stronger together. We know this when disaster and tragedy strike. Let’s remember it when we’re problem solving. If we share our wisdom, we’ll create more robust solutions with wider support. After all, didn’t we choose the Wimberley Valley for its neighborly lifestyle and natural beauty? Let’s not take either for granted.

Stephanie K Nestlerode