We all have our differences — and may not always agree on who to vote for in local and national political races, whether soccer is as vital a sport as baseball or basketball and so on.

Sometimes, discussions are heated and often they’re kept to a healthy, low roar, but they’re still passionate and offer a chance for sharing one’s views. As long as each person gets to speak their mind — and the other participant listens and tries to comprehend an opposing viewpoint — then I’m all for it.

In life, the negatives often outweigh the positives, and I couldn’t think of a more uplifting place to be last week than at the Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce’s six-year anniversary event in Cascadia Community College’s Mobius Hall.

During a walk-through checking out all the businesses on hand, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by a scientist visiting with a florist and a young boy with a blue balloon floating above his head talking with a businesswoman.

Although we may all be different, we can hopefully still relate to each other and support one another in business and in life.

And on the soccer field is no different, especially with the World Cup at our feet these days. Players and fans from all corners of the world are competing against each other, appreciating each other’s talent and sharing a love for the “beautiful game,” which, by the way, I feel is the most exciting, passionate sport out there.

And although the world’s soccer enthusiasts have joined together in celebrating their sport, there have been many a disagreement about offsides calls, penalties and such. It’s only natural for this to happen, because soccer and other sports do mirror life. It’s not always fair — and we have to deal equally with wins and losses — but if we’re all committed to what we’re doing, then we can sneak one past the goalie once in a while. (It doesn’t matter if it’s a slow roller that slips through the keeper’s hands or is a powerful shot — they all count.)