"It's harder to listen to the truth as it's told
Than it is just to lay down and bawl."
– A.J. Roach
I do my best to not let my discomfort prevent me from hearing someone else's truth.
I do my best to not let my lack of understanding invalidate someone else's lived experience.
I do my best to not speak with authority on topics I don't fully grasp.
I do not my best to not assume that what is normal for me is also normal for others.
I do my best to control my emotions so that I can stay present and hear other people's stories.
I do my best to sit with uncertainty when it would be easier to run as far away as possible.
I do my best to use my privilege and power to uplift others.
I do my best to acknowledge my social capital.
I do my best to lead with empathy and compassion.
I do my best to absorb criticism when someone disagrees with me.
I do my best to engage in civil dialogue when people want to attack and trash talk.
I do my best to stay curious and open to possibility when it would be easier to rug sweep.
I do my best to remain true to my values and principles when it would be easier to go rogue.
I do my best to stay detached from my opinions when it would be easier to be driven by my ego.
I do my best to stay authentic.
And sometimes I even succeed.