Say My Name

Chatting with a USPS employee yesterday, I learned that some of our fellow Austinites were irate because they did not receive their mail on time during the recent winter storm. 

Wow.

After she shared her storm struggles with me, I pondered the ongoing generosity of friends.

During the chaos, we collectively stuck together through daily text check-ins and kind gestures such as stocking me up with hot coffee, PB&J, and a camp stove+ despite their own challenges. THANKS! K. + S. + E.!

Since we all live life through our lens, it is crucial that we also recognize our perception of events is likely very different than someone else's.

Thus, be gentle when in conversation with one another.

When I find myself in both personal and virtual conversations, I lean heavily on finding out a person's name (if I do not already know it), repeating it back, and then asking, "How are you doing today?" 

From my experience, a spark of respect ignites with the simple acknowledgment of one another. When we are in conversation rather than about the conversation, the distance between me and we is not so distant. 

Since there are multiple ways to communicate, what strategies do you employ when conversing with others?

I love diving into a conversation, so if you want to take a swim, you know where to find me. 

Until we meet again, go fearlessly into love and light. ❤️

Yours in Solidarity,

-akm