Interestingly, the Oxford Languages Dictionary lists vulnerability as an antonym of resiliency. And although they may seem opposite, I believe that a person can only build resiliency if they are capable of putting themselves out there to A) fail or B) be vulnerable to the criticism of others.

If that's the case, I think vulnerability is a powerful trait.

I began this post a week ago and stopped after I wrote the above paragraph because I couldn't figure out how I wanted to say what I wanted to say. My passion for filling this gap in our society with awkward and controversial conversations had made me feel pretty resilient to everyone and anything one might say that could negatively impact me about this cause-- and therefore, I felt on top of the world.

This morning, I decided to search through my town's community page on Facebook. While reading through some of the mean comments our community posts to (or about) one another quickly had me go from 100% to 0% about my ability to start this #whateveritis that gives insight and (hopefully, one day) helps to change policies throughout the state (YES- I have Big Dreams).

You know that saying, "When someone has a bad experience at a restaurant, they tell five people about it; however, if it is a good experience, no one ever hears"?

Why is that? What made us, as a civilization, so automatically defensive, looking for all the negative within everything and everyone, instead of being capable of nurturing and curious about why people have perspectives that differ from ours? If one person has a different experience, which enables them with a different perspective, does that signifies that their viewpoint is correct and other people are wrong?

What would happen if we brought various perspectives and experiences to the table and, instead of pointing fingers or dogging one another, we found common ground to which we could all relate and build upon? Yes, we will all have different points of view and beliefs, as we are all individuals. But, could you imagine the possibilities of what society could accomplish by holding different views AND getting along?

We all don't have the same strengths (thank goodness -- I couldn't imagine millions of 'myself' in the world -hahaha).

I am inquisitive. I am caring and emotional. I enjoy seeing the beauty and wonder in the world. I believe in the potential of everything that could be if we were capable of giving it a chance (and a whole hell of a lot of effort because NOTHING comes easy).

Being analytical is not my strength; I will be the first person in the room to admit that. And someone who may be analytical probably isn't as in tune with their emotions as I am, but that makes them the peanut butter to my jelly. And, okay, if they wanted to be the jelly- that's cool. I'm good with being PB.

Why is the concept that we all have to be the same?

I choose to love, be curious (for the most part), and work towards expanding my world. And, if I don't like something or someone, the world is a prominent enough place.

Sam