"The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story."
– Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Over the last 20 years, I have evolved my consciousness along two entwined journeys of development.
The personal development journey – rooted in mindfulness, presence, self-awareness, equanimity.
Grounded in empathy, curiosity, possibility, connection.
And the cultural competence journey – based in social justice, inclusion, equity.
Reading. Learning. Listening. Expanding my normal. Immersing in new social, cultural, political, and professional situations. Stretching my appreciation and understanding of others' lived experiences.
These threads of development – while unique and separate – overlap and interconnect regularly. They form a more dynamic, more authentic, more complete representation of who I am.
You too have multiple storylines that make up who you are.
Sometimes they may be difficult to reconcile. Sometimes they feel at odds. Sometimes there is tension. Sometimes a single action is criticized by one person and praised by another.
The work is to stay on the path. To honor the totality of the journey.
So we can find true belonging. For ourselves. And for others.