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These are the thoughts I have as my “Memories” pop up…
It’s not ALL the time, but it’s there. Hands over my face, I shake my head in disbelief…..
Now, I do understand that social media is nothing more than a virtual stage we stand on.. and the audience can walk away at any time… but…
As someone who is on the path of becoming better today than yesterday, I need to apologize to you.
While polarization can be, and is often proven to be, a way to gain momentum in marketing… it should never come at the expense of another.
I have made statements like…
“A relationship should look like xyz”
*while having so many friends I love that are outside of traditional ideas of relationship
“If you’re not in control of your body, you aren’t in control”
*while disregarding having a step-daughter with CP and a wife with AI, not to mention spending years working and walking alongside those with special needs and disabilities
“Masculinity looks THIS way”
*while only appealing to the standpoints of traditional “masculinity,” which can be demeaning, degrading, isolating, ostracizing, and chastising
“It’s your fault if you don’t move forward”
*while experiencing more trauma than any one person should and waving a banner of “just get over it,” when there are traumas you NEVER get over… losing a child, a loved one, etc
There is 100% a pathway of transforming your pain to power…
and it starts with ditching EGO and embracing EMPATHY.
I’ve been, at times…
Arrogant.
Entitled.
Worthy…
And toxic.
Leading others through a public platform can lead you to believe that those you follow:
-Have it all together
-Have all the answers
-Never mess up
-Are free from stress, anxiety, and mistakes
A few things I’m learning:
Pain isn’t “weakness leaving the body.” It’s simply a marker; a signal that something isn’t as it should be.
There is no gain in illuminating the flaws of others, as we are all a work in progress.
No one gets to define your path for you, or assume your path.
When something isn’t working, own it and pivot. Both the light and the dark, it is all you and it is all useful internal feedback to external situations.
Vulnerability.
Humility.
Ownership.
Accountability.
Here’s to the journey.
Cheers.
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Previously published on Facebook.
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