I recognized a long time ago that very few people were going to “get me” this time around. I started to think God made a mistake when He created me. I gradually shared less and less of myself because people would just stare at me blankly or take me completely wrong. I ask a lot of questions because I yearn to understand where people are coming from and I get pleasure from hearing different perspectives. Maybe on some level I felt if could understand others, it would help me better understand myself.

Many people respond by telling me I think too much (as though I’m not already acutely aware of this). Or they respond defensively, like I’m questioning their decisions or judgment. So, naturally, I would then dedicate a ridiculous amount of time trying to explain myself until I felt understood. Feeling understood was paramount. It was almost a compulsive need. Over the years it became clear that explaining myself, or my intentions, to people who aren’t interested in understanding is a waste of precious time, energy and breath.

Imagine feeling safe to expose our shortcomings and struggles with one another. Clearly, we ALL have them. Yet, we are continually trying to save face. Sometimes we actually buy into our own illusion.

Let's open our minds to acknowledge strength in vulnerability (Bravo Brene Brown), choose encouragement over judgment, find value in our differences; thereby feeling safe to divulge that we don’t have all the answers...because we don't! We can then recognize and respect that everybody holds their own truth. I can dream and I can certainly throw myself into the world to make a ripple. Here’s my ripple.