Step Up and Speak Your Truth

Be Part of Upholding Truth, Or Step Aside

Violence against cruelty and violence doesn’t work. Neither does passive resistance. The truth is, success lies in surprising your opponent whether it’s a football game, or a fight for justice and equality. It also depends on unity. Neither game can be won alone, and in fact, trying will only result in disaster for the one who attempts to take everyone and everything on without support.

No one possesses all the skills and abilities needed for prolonged resistance; for a slow but steady push forward. All skills, personalities, talents, and proclivities need to work together to create a synergy which makes the whole exponentially stronger than the sum of its parts. No contribution is too small; too inconsequential to make a difference. Every single one of us is strong in their own way. I believe Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez offers the encouragement and motivation we need in her YouTube video following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Everyone has something to give. — AOC 9-19-2020

With the help of what the media deems important news these days, it would be easy to either lash out in anger, or fall into the depths of despair. Many are. But what does either do except feed the beast; fuel the engine of hate and cruelty which, throughout history has been the war horse of oppressors, and in the end, brings about their own downfall. But not without resistance; slow, steady, quiet, unobtrusive resistance.

Humans Have Always Resisted Oppression

Think about the underground railroads of the Civil War, WWII, and likely elsewhere as well. They weren’t about jumping out from behind a rock or tree, and bashing those in power down with the butt of a rifle. Instead, they carried information; they moved innocents out of harm’s way; they chipped away at the foundation of oppression, allowing it to self-destruct to the point where it could be taken down more easily. Why? Because it was a tactic those in power neither understood, nor expected.

Those who use intimidation, hate, and divisiveness to gather strength and power don’t understand how or why anyone would work together when there’s no clear benefit for the individual. They know little of teamwork, or shared goals, or self-sacrifice. So they don’t know how to recognize it, much less counteract its effects.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Humanity is one, gigantic, connected organism. What happens to one, happens to us all. I think that’s why so many Empaths are feeling disoriented, nauseous, headache-y and off-balance these days. Conflicting emotions on a global scale are tossing us around like flotsam in a hurricane. There are days it’s all we can do to stabilize ourselves, and get our own swirling emotions under control.

Using the Gifts You’re Given to be Part of the Solution

I’ve taken that one on as one of my own purposes. I learned the hard way how to filter what I feel. It’s an imperfect science, but has given me a bit of respite in this chaos of energy and emotion. I’ve offered to help other Empaths and HSP’s learn to protect themselves whenever I can. Some accept, while others choose to figure it out themselves. I understand it’s a lesson they need to learn without outside interference.

I’ve also learned my place in this ongoing effort is my words, but more, it’s in showing up every day to use those words. (I choose not to use words that imply fighting too much as that, to me reeks of fueling the beast with negative energy.) Whether it’s inspiration, motivation, or the balm of compassion, words are the tools, and the gift I was given.

I figured out rather late in life I’m not good in crowds. The energy overwhelms me, even when it’s mostly positive (which is rare in a large group of people). My own filters and shields are only good to a certain point, after which I begin to feel exhausted and drained. However, more and more, I’m getting visions of standing before and above a crowd, using my gift to uplift and inspire; to help others recognize their own gifts, and place in this whole, crazy jumble.

Maybe I’ll see that vision enacted physically, where I’ll feel the energy of the people to whom I speak. Perhaps it’ll continue to be virtually where time, technology, and distance help me filter the energy when my own resources falter. Like all goals and dreams, I’m not making hard and fast plans aside from showing up, writing often, speaking out, and honoring my truth.

Inspire and Uplift

I’ve also learned it’s a waste of time, effort, and breath to try to educate those who are passionate in their beliefs. In fact, it isn’t my job or my calling to change anyone’s mind. Instead, it’s to inspire those who are ready to take their place as part of the community of humanity; uplift and strengthen the ones who either falter, or think their gift is too small, or that they, themselves are unworthy.

I am inspired by the work, the words, the actions of so many who’ve come before me. At times, I feel unworthy myself; unable to rise to the levels they did. It’s those times when I take a few steps back, recharge my batteries, and remember my job never was, and never will be to initiate change alone. I was meant to be a cog in the wheel, not the whole wheel. Maybe I’m only a tiny screw in the smallest cog, but without me, the wheel would be less stable.

Those personal moments; those epiphanies are what put the words in my head , the compassion in my heart, and the motivation to share them with others who might be feeling small, insignificant, unworthy, or frustrated. I may not have to reach of Brene Brown, Marianne Williamson, or Lisa Nichols right now. Neither did they in the beginning. What they had was the courage to speak their truth, and continue speaking it until one person, then another listened.

Speak Your Truth, Even if No One is Listening

I’m learning to be less concerned about whether anyone is listening to me, and more concerned about making my ripples. Eventually, they’ll join with other ripples, and together we’ll make waves. It doesn’t matter if none of us ever rise up to stand out in those waves, but that we took part in forming them. Many of us are happy to be an anonymous part of the whole anyway. I know I’m not comfortable with notoriety right now, though maybe that’ll come in time. Many share that with me too.

What I do know is I believe wholeheartedly in what Jane Elliott teaches:

There is only one race. The Human Race.

We’re all in this together. In my opinion, it’s about time we all took our rightful place and acted like we belong here instead of merely taking up space and treading water until our time is done.

Grateful for Both Gifts and Purpose

My gratitudes today are:

1. I’m grateful for the many strong, inspiring women who have and are showing the rest of us what we’re truly capable of.
2. I’m grateful for the gifts I’ve been given. I may never be the leader of the pack, but my part in this story is important nonetheless.
3. I’m grateful for those who step up, sacrifice, and shout from the rooftops so those of us who are more circumspect can do what we can without too much fanfare.
4. I’m grateful for a heart filled with love and compassion that works overtime to push out anger and hate.
5. I’m grateful for abundance; love strength, compassion, inspiration, motivation, dedication, community, support, joy, health, peace, harmony, philanthropy, and prosperity.

Love and Light

 

About the Author

Sheri Conaway is a Holistic Ghostwriter, and an advocate for cats and mental health. Sheri believes in the Laws of Attraction, but only if you are a participant rather than just an observer. Her mission is to Make Vulnerable Beautiful and help entrepreneurs touch the souls of their readers and clients so they can increase their impact and their income.

If you’d like to have her write for you, please visit her Hire Me page for more information. You can also find her on Facebook Sheri Levenstein-Conaway Author or in her new group, Putting Your Whole Heart Forward