“In every crisis there’s a message. Crises are nature’s way of forcing change–breaking down old structures, shaking loose negative habits–so that something new and better can take place.” -Susan L. Taylor
My last major crisis involved experiencing systemic racism in my career. Before that, I trusted way too much.
I believed that, if I worked hard enough, if I was talented enough, if I was non-threatening enough, I’d be rewarded.
When I wasn’t, I faced a crisis. So I asked myself:
Who am I?
What do I stand for?
What do I stand against?
Where is my power?
Seeing whiteness rage against Black excellence was traumatizing, but it forced me to move into a better space.
A space where I’m more rooted in my ancestors’ heritage. A space where I’m free to be.
Today, I reject “pull yourself up from the bootstraps” credos and model minority myths. I’m just me.
What crisis are you encountering? Your crisis is an invitation to change.
Don’t hesitate. Walk bravely into your crisis. The world needs the lessons you’ll learn when you come out on the other side healed, whole, and free.
