I am deeply committed to working for justice in an authentic and charitable way. This means I am going to fuck shit up a lot in the eyes of other people.
If speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we have, why do I feel like lately my truth isn’t good enough?
If it is important for women not to support each other and not play mean girls on the playground, why do I feel like I am taking the punches for saying how I feel in an authentic and intentional way?
When I was getting divorced from my ex-wife my therapist advised me not to react to anything she said for at least 24 hours. This was excellent advice and I try to honor that idea in all things in my life…sometimes I don’t do that so well, especially when it comes to social media, but I am ALWAYS intentional and vulnerable in my reactions to things that light my activist flame.
My struggle this week is real for me. I am hurt.
My coach said to me, “we don’t have to be perfect people to create change.” I am running with this one. I don’t have to be perfect. I am ok being an imperfect activist, it doesn’t make me a bad person, it makes me a human being.
Other people’s emotions are their business. I am okay allowing other people to be wrong about me. The louder I get, the more this will happen.
Is it wrong for me to expect that our next Commander in Chief will have some sort of political experience? Maybe. But as a voting member of this democracy I get to hold that belief as my truth.
Is it wrong for me to wear a pink pussy hat? Maybe. But as a woman, other feminists don’t get to police what I wear. I believe the policing of how women express themselves through clothing choices is a tool the patriarchy uses to marginalize us.
Is my timing going to be off? Yes. Am I going to say something that offends people? Likely. If I do those things from a space of love and vulnerability then I think that is okay.
Love is power. Vulnerability is power. Fierce expression of truth is power.
It’s Friday, fuck shit up y’all, Dr. Melissa Bird
If you are working towards justice in your community, join me at Bird Girl Industries.