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Hello fellow creatives,
I had planned to release an offering on compassionate productivity today, then as events in Minneapolis started escalating later last week after the murder of George Floyd, I decided to push it back for another week and write to you today about the other reasons why I did that. I’ll share that all at some point, but today it doesn't feel right to say much other than BLACK LIVES MATTER.
In some ways I hesitate to write to you from my own voice about this, because I don’t want to center my own experience above those of BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color), or seem as though I’m engage in performative allyship to earn a “pat on the back”, but I know that it is wrong to remain silent because if we do, we are complicit. The Desmond Tutu quote, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” seems quite apt right now.
To my white friends, right now (and always - I know that this is not a new situation by any means), it isn’t enough to be “not racist”, we have to be actively anti-racist.
To my BIPOC friends, I do not accept racism, I hope that this feels like a safe space for you, and that you can take care of yourself as you heal from this most recent trauma, as well as all of the others. I know that I can’t truly understand your experience, but please know that I see you, I acknowledge my privilege, and I am continuing to educate myself, and find ways to take meaningful action toward true racial justice.
I have alluded to being anti-racist in the past on my social media, as well as reposting others’ posts that might be useful, but I know that I was more silent and passive than I should have been in my support. It’s easier to be silent than to have tough conversations or worry about offending people by saying the wrong thing, but we have to speak up anyway. Two of my core values in Coaching for Creative Wellness, and as a person, are compassion and honesty - that compassion has to actively extend to everyone, and I have to be up front with you about where I stand.
I know that I will make mistakes and be an imperfect ally, but just like in our creative work, and really, everything in life, it’s about committing to the process of continuing to learn and improve.
This subject matter might make you uncomfortable, and if it does, I encourage you to get curious about why that is, and see where you can learn from that discomfort. Making systemic societal change is rarely comfortable. I just watched coach Rachel Rodgers’ IGTV video on “the good white liberal response”, and she said, “If it doesn’t cost you anything, it’s not enough,” words which I am trying to take to heart.
Putting ourselves out there and taking a stand can be uncomfortable, but it’s nothing compared to the countless risks that BIPOC have to take on a regular basis.
I’m going to take some time to pause from sharing online, as I figure out how to navigate what feels appropriate to share during a time when I (as a white person) am being called to listen and learn, so other voices can be heard.
Here are some anti-racism resources that I have found helpful:
I know that many of you are further along in your learning and allyship than I am, and I’m sorry that it took me so long to stand beside you. Some of you may also just be starting out on this journey - absolutely no shame. I’m definitely no expert, and will continue to keep learning, but I’m here for any conversations that you may want to have. Don’t forget, small actions add up to big things - you can’t do everything, but you can do something.
I deeply and sincerely hope for a brighter future, and will be working to that end. Here’s to finding peace through true justice for all.
Rebecca
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