Speak it

speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.

Day 6/31: i do not particularly enjoy confrontation. i used to prefer to avoid it, even if it meant that i took on the burden of carrying anger or resentment. i realize that i have gradually over time become better at handling conflict and confrontation directly because of the work that i do. the necessity of advocating for others and dealing with challenging systems has somehow bled into my personal life. as i became a better advocate for others, i also became a better advocate for myself.

maybe it was turning 30. something changed for me in the last year. it is empowering to speak your truth, even if it means confronting someone that you wish not to. i realize now that confrontation is not a bad thing. in an age where it is so easy to be passive aggressive and air out our grievances though posts and texts, i think it is important to be able to speak directly to people. let them know when actions cause hurt or pain. and also to apologize directly when i am the one in the wrong. this is how we mend things and change. it is often uncomfortable, but usually worth it.