The importance of imperfect sharing

I've been feeling challenged the past several weeks when it gets to be blog-writing day.

I have things on my mind to say, but it can be hard to get it all out in an honest and coherent way. There is so much going on in the world. So much energy, so many conflicts, so much uncertainty, so little clarity.

I love the idea of being able to articulate something profound and universal, but more than ever I'm aware of how my words are imperfect and incomplete, subject to my own psychology, biases and limitations. There are so many people more thoughtful, eloquent, wise, and experienced than I am.

So why do I continue to do this every week?

A big part of it has to do with this month's featured message:

Writing every week is a way of affirming to myself that my voice matters. Not in a heavy, "the-world-would-crumble-without-it" sort of way, but more of a "I-have-a-right-to-be here" sort of way.

It's an affirmation that I have the freedom to experience what I experience, interpret things how I interpret them, and share in ways I want to share. It also ensures that I take some time each week to actually notice what's happening for me.

But it's not just about me and my right to be here. There's also a hope that, in practicing noticing and sharing, I might be valuable to other people.

I like to think that by offering what's alive but not necessarily polished and perfected, I'm doing my part to loosen the lie that only the most talented and successful among us are worthy of being listened to.   

I love the idea that someone might think: If Anne can do it, maybe I can do it too.... If I get value from what Anne shares, maybe people would get value from my perspective, too.... If Anne doesn't wait for it to be perfect, maybe I don't have to either.... Maybe I could even start now!

I know that when other people share what's true and honest for them, it is valuable to me. Listening to other people's experiences and perspectives helps me be more gentle and empathic. Being willing to be changed by people expands me in wonderful ways.

I think this is something our society urgently needs to practice right now. I think we need people who can listen to their fellow flawed human beings with a sense of openness, humility, and curiosity. And we can only practice this kind of listening if there are people willing to share. 

We need people willing to risk the likelihood that they will be mocked and misunderstood, for the possibility that they will make a positive difference for someone. To risk being judged, for the possibility of claiming their rightful place in this world.

We need people to know that their voice matters.

I hope you know that's true for you.