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A whole lot of people don't think the way you do. Does that scare you, anger you, or humble you?
I am a person of strong opinion based on stronger convictions. I believe what I believe intensely & think you should, too.
One of challenges of my adult life has been learning how to relate to my own beliefs in a healthy way. And how to relate to those who hold different ones.
Mostly, I'm learning the importance of humility which should not be confused for complacency, ambivalence, or ambiguity.
Instead, humility means holding ones convictions tightly while still recognizing the limits of them. Both the limits of my own knowledge & the limits of my power.
B/c even if my convictions are verifiably true & demonstrably better for common good, I still can't make them yours. I can argue & persuade & rally & make my case. But at end of day, I can't make another person think like I do.
It's not just a matter of making the best argument, finding the best data, or writing a convincing thread. And this can be terrifying. Especially for those who've been taught to put their trust in ration & decision making.
Hear me: I am not saying it doesn't matter. I'm not saying you shouldn't speak up, advocate, & organize. I'm saying you need to find a way to do this sustainably, a way that doesn't put the weight on your ability to convince other people.
And (I think) that starts with accepting your limits. Both of your own mind & your power. Hold your convictions strongly. Share them. Speak up & boldly. Do the work. And know that in doing so, you have done what you can do.
Know this too: You are not alone. Yours is not the only voice. Yours not the only work. We stand in the multitudes of time, history, & space & bear witness to truth. We may play a smart part, but it ours to play.
