I recently took a contract at a large corporation where I’ve worked on and off for years. When I ‘retired’ recently to get training as a coach, I sometimes found myself almost missing working at that company, even though when I was there I was very burnt out and couldn’t wait to leave. What was I missing? I missed The Badge. This little piece of plastic allowed me to enter any building belonging to the company. I could go where I pleased, when I pleased. I was surrounded by people who knew me and respected me. I belonged, I was included. Without The Badge, who was I? I was excluded, a nobody who would be stopped at the door – “You can’t come in here! You have no badge! You must call a babysitter to accompany you if you want to enter!” OK, so I never actually thought those things, but the feeling was there, buzzing around in the back of my mind. So, now I have The Badge hanging off my belt, and I’m walking around greeting people and feeling included and belonging, and it occurs to me that I really missed the boat. I’ve never been excluded, Badge or not. I, like you, and him, and them, am very included, part of the largest company in the world. Exclusion is a mirage, something invented by humans. I was only excluded because I allowed myself to think so. One way I’ve found to strengthen by feelings of inclusion is realizing as I move through life that I am one with every person I see: doctors, politicians, homeless vagabonds, toddlers, executives and retirees. We are all from the same source, and will return there. Not only am I part of everyone who lives, but also part of every person who has ever lived, and ever will. I share molecules with Plato, and Jesus, and Buddha, and others will share my molecules for eons in the future. How comforting to know that I am never alone, never excluded!