Makes me wonder where I am being authoritarian within myself. I like to think I value diversity and then I notice how freaked out I get about being different.
Ah, yes, meeting up with the internalized authoritarian. There's bound to be one inside, if authoritarianism is what a person has been steeped in. Maybe we meet it with gentleness, always? Like, the opposite of that old reflex? Being different is often scary, and committing to one's own feet and one's own path is always a practice, I think. At least it is for me. And the older I get, the more I'm willing to lean in to the most unique parts of myself. If I don't, who will? :-) Be the gift, I tell myself. No one else can do you.
Makes me wonder where I am being authoritarian within myself. I like to think I value diversity and then I notice how freaked out I get about being different.
Ah, yes, meeting up with the internalized authoritarian. There's bound to be one inside, if authoritarianism is what a person has been steeped in. Maybe we meet it with gentleness, always? Like, the opposite of that old reflex? Being different is often scary, and committing to one's own feet and one's own path is always a practice, I think. At least it is for me. And the older I get, the more I'm willing to lean in to the most unique parts of myself. If I don't, who will? :-) Be the gift, I tell myself. No one else can do you.
So interesting & well written, Pricilla. Thanks for sending it to me. Food for thought... I’ll share with friends. Thank you!
Thanks for dropping by, Julie! Glad you found it interesting & useful. So grateful if you share it!