Stigma Part 1: ”If I can do it, so can you”

<p>Ep #160 - Stigmatizing language is pervasive in our societies. When someone compares their life to another's in a way that insinuates they had it tougher or rougher because of their age, race, creed, color, etc. they are comparing themselves and their life to someone else's while deleting out an infinite amount of information that doesn't make the comparison even remotely equal.</p> <p>Claiming someone has race, religion, age, country, generational privilege is thrusting upon them the responsibility to feel ashamed or guilty for something they may or may not have had happened to them. Imagine this for a moment. The idea that someone is being told, "well I did this, that, and the other, and I am BLANK, and you had it way better than me, so what's your problem?"</p> <p>How does that read to you? How does that sound when you say it out loud? I hear judgement and rudeness. I have no idea what another person has gone through in order to be the person I am seeing in front of me right now. When I attempt to compare what I've gone through versus what I think I know they have gone through I am comparing and deleting at the same time.</p> <p>Most people won't know, and perhaps they'll never know, why they behave and do the things they do. So much of our behaviors and habits are programmed into us at such a young age we have no idea where they are rooted. Your life is singularly yours and mine and everyone else's is singular ours.</p> <p>Thinking you know what someone else has gone through simply by judging their outside or talking with them is outside the lines of harmonious behavior. It is time we as a world talk to one another by listening to learn about each other rather than waiting for our chance to talk, argue, and cancel them.</p> <p>Just hit play and let's dive in with our open minds, hearts, and energies bringing everyone into the fold - you are in the right place, at the right time...right now.</p> <p>It is time. It has been time. To live is to shine. Step into the SUN.</p> <p>Stand up, step forward, raise you