There are many things that I don’t know, but through pain and suffering, I’ve learned a few things…
Please hold space for someone who’s going through a tough time when they express themselves. If we can’t help change the situation they are in, at least help them understand that we care.
Please channel our own pain and our collective pain through the outlets that help heal our souls. Hold it with grace. Observe the waves of our emotions and choose to respond instead of reacting. We can regulate our emotions. Help each other with a tempered attitude in tense situations. We may process emotions differently, but the one thing we can all do is to be civil.
Please be open-minded to see beyond the 2D and the binary in a multidimensional world. Be brave enough to step out of our echo chambers, lead with curiosity, and detach ourselves from our egos. “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Listen, really listen. Anchor on common ground.
Please respect other people’s feelings. If someone shares their pain, please refrain from rubbing it in even more. If someone grieves, please honor their time to heal. If someone takes time to process, please allow them to think and reflect at their own pace. If someone appears quiet, please avoid assuming it means apathy. If someone speaks up, please respond in a manner that we’d like to receive. Treat others the way we want to be treated.
Please remember the greatest power we have as humans is language. Instead of using it for hurtful and hateful speeches, let’s honor it by choosing to use it with care. Let’s use it to unite, foster love and kindness, build relationships and bridges, add value to society, and cultivate humanity. Instead of humiliating each other, lead by example.
This street art never fails to stop me and put a smile on my face every time I pass by it. Instead of expecting others to give us the love that we seek, love ourselves first and choose to be that stop sign for others—not only for those who look like us or think like us but for everyone who passes by. Remind others that they matter. Make them feel seen. Make them feel heard. We'll all have more love to give when we feel loved ♥️