So this is what caused the hoo-ha? I was expecting something wildly controversial after that build-up, but I actually thought the article was really good. I liked the focus on people growing together and supporting one another. It came across as balanced and thoughtful, and it definitely didn’t rub me the wrong way.
“It comes from learning to stand in the light together.” Powerful. Thank you for putting this together. I agree that true celebration begins when we come together in action that supports everyone. I appreciate and support you ✊🏼
Thanks so much, Gio! I’m so happy it resonated. 🙏🏼🙂 We all need allies, and the more we come together in unity, the stronger we all become. Communion instead of segregation. 💪💖
Agreed! Every paradigm shifts began with a movement. Like a snowball gaining momentum downhill. Yes save havens are needed. And so are ones that include everyone at the table. So the synergy, understanding and collective action can start brining change. ✨
Excellent piece and I totally agree! I love connecting with people from a diverse range of genders, cultures, ages, backgrounds, and perspectives. It helps me to expand and gain deeper empathy and appreciation for others. I've noticed too that when I only associate with one type of community -- while it can be nice at first to communicate with like-minded people -- I'll start to notice everyone using the same phrases and lingo. A certain group-think starts to develop. Which is why I try to be very intentional about branching out, it keeps me flexible.
That’s a wonderful outlook to have. We need more opportunities to engage and be in the same rooms with all types of personalities and genders. That’s where our thinking really starts to expand beyond, like you said, the same phrases and lingo.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts with me! 🫶🏻💖
I think both, as well as getting all the tools into the collaborative toolbox to resolve the inevitable conflicts and spurts of growth in an inclusive group are important. The reason I say this is there has been such a long and sustained campaign grinding at, and parasitic behavior chipping away at women for a very long time that has its hooks in everywhere. I would imagine that the division and exclusivity comes from the need to get away from those toxic places and have some regrouping time. Women do bring a cornucopia of incredible and often-taken-for-granted things to the table; but that needs quite the nourishing effort before and after. Perhaps it comes to phases in this ongoing dialog with an infinite amount of tracks. When we can get as many tools into that collaborative toolbox and everyone knows how they can be used; and that they are used when issues in the inclusive collaboration come up - that is when it all comes together.
I really appreciate this perspective, Peter! ✨ Healing spaces make sense after long periods of harm. And I agree that developing collaboration tools is what ultimately brings everyone back to the same table.
Together, we can make progress, just might not happen in a right away, of course! 🙏🏼😊
Thank you so much for taking the time to read it! 🫶🏻💖 It means a lot to be having more open and honest conversations about these topics.
I’ve always felt connected to people on a soul level rather than through gender. And, I’ve often felt like a neutral, safe space for many, so I’m really glad that came through. 🙏🏼🥰
So this is what caused the hoo-ha? I was expecting something wildly controversial after that build-up, but I actually thought the article was really good. I liked the focus on people growing together and supporting one another. It came across as balanced and thoughtful, and it definitely didn’t rub me the wrong way.
Oh good! 😅🙆🏻♀️🙏🏼💖
I didn’t think it was bad at all, but it did cross my mind that maybe some people prefer things framed from a more “right or left” perspective.
I’ve always tried to support everyone, so it felt important for me to express that. It’s also possible it was just a glitch in the system too. 😅
Either way, it brought you here, and I’m glad you were able to read the reflection. So thank you! 🙏🏼
Same!
"And awareness often leads to action."
Love this. This is exactly what we need. Thank you for writing this.
I am so happy to hear it resonated with you! 😌🙏🏼✨ Thank you for taking the time to read my reflection! 💖
This is a great read!
Thank you so much! 😊🫶🏼💜
I so appreciate your voixe, Ash. ❤️ Beautiful reflection. All voices do matter!! Our world would not be the same without women, or men! 🙌💗
Thank you so much, this is exactly it! 🥰🫶🏼 Thanks for taking a read, it means a lot! 🙏🏼
Immediate block.🤪 great piece 🥰
😂🙆🏻♀️💖🫶🏻 Thanks girl, literally I am a very positive human! But I see all angles. 😌🙏🏼
“It comes from learning to stand in the light together.” Powerful. Thank you for putting this together. I agree that true celebration begins when we come together in action that supports everyone. I appreciate and support you ✊🏼
Thanks so much, Gio! I’m so happy it resonated. 🙏🏼🙂 We all need allies, and the more we come together in unity, the stronger we all become. Communion instead of segregation. 💪💖
I completely agree! 💪🏽
Agreed! Every paradigm shifts began with a movement. Like a snowball gaining momentum downhill. Yes save havens are needed. And so are ones that include everyone at the table. So the synergy, understanding and collective action can start brining change. ✨
Change only happens when everyone is seated at the table, not just some. 🙏🏼 The more we show up unified, the louder we get! 👏🏼💕
Yes! Unity is the magic that carries the message into momentum! ✨
100% agree! ☺️💜 Momentum = action!
Excellent piece and I totally agree! I love connecting with people from a diverse range of genders, cultures, ages, backgrounds, and perspectives. It helps me to expand and gain deeper empathy and appreciation for others. I've noticed too that when I only associate with one type of community -- while it can be nice at first to communicate with like-minded people -- I'll start to notice everyone using the same phrases and lingo. A certain group-think starts to develop. Which is why I try to be very intentional about branching out, it keeps me flexible.
Ahh thank you so much! 🫶🏻☺️
That’s a wonderful outlook to have. We need more opportunities to engage and be in the same rooms with all types of personalities and genders. That’s where our thinking really starts to expand beyond, like you said, the same phrases and lingo.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts with me! 🫶🏻💖
Thank you for writing this piece! Look forward to reading more of your work :)
💯 I write short stories and narrative essays about women’s lives, humor, community, and the quiet courage it takes to care about things.
https://lillymercer.substack.com/
Thanks so much for sharing! 💜
I just wrote a new reflection if you’d like to give it a read: https://reflectionsbyash.substack.com/p/reclaiming-imagination-not-just-nostalgia
I think both, as well as getting all the tools into the collaborative toolbox to resolve the inevitable conflicts and spurts of growth in an inclusive group are important. The reason I say this is there has been such a long and sustained campaign grinding at, and parasitic behavior chipping away at women for a very long time that has its hooks in everywhere. I would imagine that the division and exclusivity comes from the need to get away from those toxic places and have some regrouping time. Women do bring a cornucopia of incredible and often-taken-for-granted things to the table; but that needs quite the nourishing effort before and after. Perhaps it comes to phases in this ongoing dialog with an infinite amount of tracks. When we can get as many tools into that collaborative toolbox and everyone knows how they can be used; and that they are used when issues in the inclusive collaboration come up - that is when it all comes together.
I really appreciate this perspective, Peter! ✨ Healing spaces make sense after long periods of harm. And I agree that developing collaboration tools is what ultimately brings everyone back to the same table.
Together, we can make progress, just might not happen in a right away, of course! 🙏🏼😊
I completely agree! I wrote something very similar yesterday too…
https://substack.com/@jogotheridge/note/p-190297471?r=7b7823&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Yay!!! 🥰 We need more people who share their thoughts on these topics. 🙏🏼 I love the quote you referenced to by Rupi Kaur, it’s so true!!! 💜
Thank you so much for taking the time to read it! 🫶🏻💖 It means a lot to be having more open and honest conversations about these topics.
I’ve always felt connected to people on a soul level rather than through gender. And, I’ve often felt like a neutral, safe space for many, so I’m really glad that came through. 🙏🏼🥰