Personal piece made during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. 

Acknowledging and apologizing for hurtful actions and beliefs is the first step towards repairing the rifts in our communities and our relationships. It can be hard, but it’s incredibly important. Forgiving those who have hurt you is also extremely hard, but it is a crucial step towards building a better future. These acts take bravery, humility, and honesty. They are the foundation of lasting trust and friendship, which is in turn the foundation of an inclusive and thriving society.

Being open about our own strengths and weaknesses, and being open towards the strengths and weaknesses of others is the only way to grow sustainable and loving relationships. We are not perfect, but we are also not fixed in our ways. This positive growth mindset is hard to embody when our leaders are so selfish and dishonest. But we can be a force for good in our communities by calling them out, and by voting them out. Please vote :)

If you’re feeling sad and frustrated, I highly recommend making some art, writing a song or a short story, or any other creative project. It’s amazing how powerful the act of making can be to help us deal with difficult times.