speaking out

Dear friend who spoke out,

It’s hard to express an unpopular opinion, and I’m sorry for the fear that comes with speaking out.  You are a sensitive creature.  You’re bright, and your opinion matters.

I’m sorry your opinion was hidden away for so long.  You knew it might not be welcome, and then it burst forth in a way that might not have been the most well-timed or prepared for.

It’s ok to make mistakes.  I’m not saying speaking out is a mistake, but even if it is, you are ok.  You’re not on earth to be perfect.  That was never your goal–we don’t even believe in that.  You’re on earth to try things out and do what you need to do.

Having a different opinion is like having a different body.  All bodies are valid bodies.  Thinking in another way, holding different values, and moving through the world creatively isn’t wrong.  In fact, culture needs diversity.  Business as usual is often violent.  I’m glad for people who expand on the narrow approved ways.

truth

We can’t see the outcomes of our actions.  Like making a zine or writing a poem, say what you need to say and sail it off like a kite with no string.  Please don’t think you need to defend yourself or the hill you stand on.  Don’t get sucked into the ego of it.  It was never about you.

You can’t control what other people do with what you say–they might misunderstand, project, attack, or make something about them that’s not about them.  Your motivation was not to win or be right.  Your motivation was to uncover some truth and let it shine, a truth bigger than you.  Please trust that the truth is important and has a life of its own.

Imagine a golden floor, but it’s covered in dirt and dust.  If you know the gold is there, you can clean off some dirt and dust to show people.  If they’re threatened by that or don’t want to hear it, that’s about them.  Your desire to show what’s real and gleaming might or might not be effective.  But if you need to speak up, I trust you.

safe

There’s emotional vulnerability and the discomfort of feeling disapproval.  But in other ways, you are safe.  In this moment, no wild animal is after you.  You have food and shelter.  You even have a caring spouse, a reliable car, and money.  You’re doing amazing.

I’m glad you’re in a good place for speaking out.  You’re not the most powerful person in the sense of social standing or wealth, but you’re solid in yourself, and I love that about you.

Think of your heroes who tell / told the truth: Audre Lorde, Kimmortal, Mia Mingus, Glynda Velasco.  They don’t find immediate approval and mass support.  Important ideas encounter resistance.  It actually means you might be on the right path.

Your ancestors didn’t work to create you and hand you their gifts for nothing.  They didn’t get you here so you could put your head down and be silent.  They are cheering for you and holding you, just as you are.

It’s good to speak out, and I believe in you.  Your life matters, your ideas matter, and I love you.

peace,

Laura-Marie