Embracing Openness: A Path to Personal and Societal Growth
In a world that often demands certainty and decisiveness, the concept of openness can feel radical—perhaps even uncomfortable. We are taught from an early age to make logical, pragmatic decisions, to rely on facts, and to strive for “the right choice.” Yet, life is rarely so black and white. More often than not, we find ourselves navigating a sea of complexities, shaped by past experiences, societal expectations, and personal beliefs. And in doing so, we often close ourselves off to alternative perspectives, reinforcing a cycle of rigid thinking that stifles growth, connection, and change.
But what if we disrupted that cycle? What if we embraced the idea that our perspectives, like life itself, are meant to evolve?
Breaking Free from the Box
Our world conditions us to think within boundaries—a metaphorical box constructed by past decisions, social norms, and personal biases. This box provides structure and familiarity, but it can also limit us. When we see life only through the lens of our own experiences, we risk dismissing perspectives that challenge our existing beliefs.
Some of the most celebrated individuals and organizations in our society are those who challenge conventional thinking—who disrupt industries, rewrite narratives, and forge new paths. But disruption is not just for the bold and the revolutionary; it is for all of us. Each of us has the ability to influence not only our own stories but also those of the people around us.
A Personal Perspective
For me, the journey toward openness has been deeply personal. My mother, Jennifer Jean Leach, died by suicide on Waitangi Day 2018. Her absence is profound, and I often think about how she would view the life my sister and I have built in her absence. Through our loss, we have chosen to embrace the lessons she left us—to challenge our preconceptions, to break free from judgment, and to approach life with a malleable perspective.
Openness is not about discarding our beliefs; rather, it is about recognizing that our perspectives are uniquely our own, shaped by our personal journeys. It is about understanding that others, too, have lived experiences that inform their views. The key is not to abandon conviction but to hold it with a light touch, allowing room for growth, understanding, and transformation.
Redefining Strength and Leadership
There is a misconception that openness equates to weakness or indecision—that success is defined by unwavering beliefs and rigid objectives. But true strength lies in the ability to adapt, to consider new information, and to engage with the world in a way that fosters connection and respect. Leadership is not about imposing one’s views but about creating space for dialogue, where diverse perspectives can coexist and inform one another.
Imagine a shoemaker who only ever makes shoes that fit their own feet, expecting everyone to wear them. It sounds absurd, yet we often do the same with our beliefs. We shape our worldviews based on our own experiences and expect others to fit into them. Openness invites us to shift that mindset—to recognize that there is no single “right” way of seeing the world.
Openness as a Catalyst for Change
Being open grants us the power to reshape our narratives. It allows us to build bridges instead of walls, to listen instead of dismiss, and to create environments where honesty and vulnerability are welcomed. Openness is the foundation of progress—whether in personal growth, societal change, or in tackling complex issues like mental health and suicide prevention.
Organizations like Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust embody this spirit. They challenge stigma, foster understanding, and provide a guiding light for those in need. Their work reminds us that openness is not just a mindset but an action—a commitment to seeing the world and its people with empathy and respect.
A Shared Journey
As we move forward, I invite you to embrace openness—not as a passive state, but as an active choice. Be willing to listen. Be willing to challenge your own assumptions. Be willing to let your perspectives evolve.
I leave you with a poem that, I believe, captures this journey:
Perceptions guide minds
identity
emotions
They’re thoughts that bind.
Magic
Potions
Once in light
Change waves in
Thoughts once dark
Now barely dim
Beliefs laid bare
A sandy shore
flat and smooth
It’s time to draw
A masterpiece,
of creation
The power to
Reshape a nation,
Let’s map out,
A new direction,
You, me,
And true intention
Openness is the first step toward real change. It is the bridge between where we are and where we have the potential to go. Together, let’s reshape the narrative—one open mind at a time.
Simon (Trustee)
