This post originally appeared on LinkedIn on October 6, 2021.
I have learned some lessons this past week.
1. Sometimes the intentions of my written words don't match their impact.
2. When someone says they've been harmed by my words, I need to accept that, apologize, and commit to doing better.
3. My instinct to want to engage in conversation with people isn't always appreciated or desired or helpful.
4. Sometimes I forget that leading with curiosity is a core value of mine.
5. The principles of Nonviolent Communication are tricky to implement in written form, especially on a social media platform.
6. I have to remember that when the anniversary of my dad's death (September 29) comes around, I'm a little off kilter, and not always on my A-game.
7. I want/need to do more work around the intersection of compassion and boundaries—self-compassion and how I interact (or not) with others.
8. My discomfort is not the same as other people's safety (physical, psychological, emotional).
9. Pushing through that discomfort is what I do; in fact, it's what I'm literally doing right now.
10. Vulnerability and courage are inextricably interwoven; both are what we need in abundance to continue to do racial justice and equity work.
11. Criticism and intimidation are not the same things.
12. Solid relationships and supportive friends keep me going.