A classic icebreaker game for meetings or workshops, Two Truths & a Lie is a fun way for people to get to know each other beyond the usual intros. Each person takes a turn telling three things about themselves. Two are true and one is a lie. The game is for others to guess which is the lie.

Now let’s apply the same idea to a more serious topic – COVID-19 – as a powerful way to recognize and challenge our own assumptions. Ready?

Statement 1: This COVID-19 pandemic is terrible for the world.

Statement 2: This COVID-19 pandemic is just what the world needs.

Statement 3: Only one of the other two statements is true.

Which is the lie??

Some people pick #1 and only see that the virus is causing sickness and death, wreaking havoc with our economy and people’s livelihoods, and turning many lives upside down. Their focus is on today.

Others pick #2 and only see the virus as the wake-up call society so desperately needs, presenting unprecedented opportunity for us to make big changes. The focus is on a distant tomorrow.

To me, the lie is #3, because both of the other statements are true simultaneously.

Hyperfocusing on the suffering (statement 1), as addictive as that can be, is neither noble or helpful. On the other hand, only acknowledging the potential for growth (statement 2), as pleasing as that may be, is to deny the real hardships many are dealing with and will continue to face.

Based on the human experience to date, I don’t thing anything less than the suffering and uncertainty now in our midst would have inspired the global awakening, collaboration, and positive action that we are creating and witnessing. We need both truths.

The good news is that as human beings, we have the remarkable capacity of holding two seemingly opposing truths at the same time.

We can shift between these two truths, or hold both to be true at once – being sad and scared and excited and grateful all at the same time. This ability also enables us to fully love and be loved.

May you find your truths and celebrate the lessons they provide. Hey, might as well!

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