understanding that the reason others cannot accept me for who i am, is really just because they cannot accept themselves either. for instance, when i feel super judged by people- i have come to a place where i hope that they can live authentically too, rather than judging back.

how empathy can help us deal with hurtful comments & shield us from taking things personally.

softness & having emotional intelligence is secretly the toughest skin out there. it’s saying that you cannot hurt me because i love the softness in me that the world taught you to hate. and i can teach you the discipline to do the same! explaining behavior, not justifying it or making excuses.

using our arms to restrain with a hug rather than firing a shot, even when they deserve it (note how i said restrain rather than enable)! stopping violence at all levels through accountability via emotional connection. explaining that “when you did this, it hurt me” is far more powerful than hurting back. & how this peace should be displayed, not just through the way we handle our interpersonal conflicts, but also through our attitudes advocating against gun violence.

it is important to start inwards (self reflection) with our anti-violence work, and then use this change to advocate outwards. otherwise we miss a crucial step towards unification, and walking the talk!

ending gun violence, through embracing our soft skin- rather than our shields.