I am light...
It always feeds my soul to go to Delaware to be around my friend Marla and her family. They are an inspiring bunch, with boundless optimism and a strong call for public service. And they remind me in many ways that "I am light." That I hold within me an energy that I often fail to recognize - one of depth, calm, warmth, and love.
In light of events in Charlottesville, it is a message we must hear; a conversation that is hard to have, but a necessity. I was glad I could be there to support Marla. Public speaking is never easy, especially when your sharing your personal story on such a grand scale and it's a topic that is part of the current national debate. But Marla shone, because she was living her truth, and a message that we all need to hear was shared with the world. (Don't worry I'll be sure to share her talk when the video clip goes live).
TEDx Wilmington was full of great speakers covering a range of interesting topics. I got to learn a little about wine from one of the worlds 41 people to ever hold the title Master of Wine; hear about tech inventions that will revolutionize electric cars, 911, and telemedicine; experience the global refugee crisis through the photographing efforts of Theresa Mender and Daniel Farver Huang; learn how talking like a hostage negotiator can make it easier to engage with people; and watch the Biden Contribution Code in action from Valerie Biden Owens (the former Vice President's sister).
Sure I can be sarcastic and pithy with the rest of them. I can be quiet, reserved, and at times shy. But if you truly know me, you know that beneath that veneer of sarcasm is a deeply empathetic person. It's the reason that my heart hurts every time I pass someone who is homeless or asking for money on the street. Why I pray for the safe travels of all those I fly with. And how I've gotten roped into sponsoring two children overseas through conversations on the street.
Like most empathetic people, I have a tendency to dim my own light, to downplay my achievements, contributions, and to feel as if I am not outspoken or engaging enough. I've come to learn that I am a true extroverted introvert. I prefer engaging one-on-one or in small group settings that allow for deeper connection. I have a hard time doing superficial. I don't feel confident in group small talk. And I'm often the one doing more listening than talking. All this means that I can sometimes feel as if I'm fading into the background, especially in a world where it often seems that you need to shout the loudest to be heard above the noise.
And you may be saying what the hell is with the "I am light" reference. Well it harkens back to India Arie's song "I am light." Of course every song is open for personal interpretation, but for me this song really speaks to our inner most being - that we are not simply defined by the external.
And in this moment, as I write and reflect on my visit to Delaware, and recent national events, this song rings true with such poignance. I was in Delaware to support Marla as she gave her first TED talk. She was amazing and gave a powerful testimonial on her experiences with race and our need to turn from trying to be colorblind to being color-FULL.
TEDx Wilmington was full of great speakers covering a range of interesting topics. I got to learn a little about wine from one of the worlds 41 people to ever hold the title Master of Wine; hear about tech inventions that will revolutionize electric cars, 911, and telemedicine; experience the global refugee crisis through the photographing efforts of Theresa Mender and Daniel Farver Huang; learn how talking like a hostage negotiator can make it easier to engage with people; and watch the Biden Contribution Code in action from Valerie Biden Owens (the former Vice President's sister).
To top the day off, as I was leaving with friends, I was stopped by one of the speakers, a Phd and researcher of ancient medicine and energy, who told me I have a depth in my eyes. It was a statement said with sincerity, warmth, and engagement. I would be lying if I said that this was the first time someone I have never met has commented on my energy, but I will say that I am always deeply humbled and taken a back. I don't consider myself special and I would hardly ever announce such a thing to others. To me, I am just trying my best to live my truth and lead a life full of connection and empathy. So experiences like this are always powerful and humbling.
Sure I can be sarcastic and pithy with the rest of them. I can be quiet, reserved, and at times shy. But if you truly know me, you know that beneath that veneer of sarcasm is a deeply empathetic person. It's the reason that my heart hurts every time I pass someone who is homeless or asking for money on the street. Why I pray for the safe travels of all those I fly with. And how I've gotten roped into sponsoring two children overseas through conversations on the street.
Like most empathetic people, I have a tendency to dim my own light, to downplay my achievements, contributions, and to feel as if I am not outspoken or engaging enough. I've come to learn that I am a true extroverted introvert. I prefer engaging one-on-one or in small group settings that allow for deeper connection. I have a hard time doing superficial. I don't feel confident in group small talk. And I'm often the one doing more listening than talking. All this means that I can sometimes feel as if I'm fading into the background, especially in a world where it often seems that you need to shout the loudest to be heard above the noise.
But then I think back to India Arie's words "I am not the voices in my head. I am not the pieces of the brokenness inside. I am light."
I'm gonna work a little harder to be that light, are you? Do the things that feed your soul.
With love,
DC3FO