This American Dream
The story of the “American Dream” has always been false. Use your voice until it’s true.
We are a nation founded on laws for rich white men, by rich white men.
But the home I love (and likely the one you love, too) is made up of people who help their neighbors and understand that it is their work to undo the oppressive systems that perpetuate inequity and build real community —
not the kind portrayed in media, but true community that works through the hardest parts so that people can be seen, heard, held, and free.
It’s not pretty work and forces us to confront the stories we have about ourselves and American exceptionalism.
We are not “great.”
It is easier to believe that quick fixes will make us so, but real change doesn’t come from a talking point or reactionary response (in our country & our lives).
We are so inundated with the systems we’re trying to prop up that it is a privilege to actually have time to think beyond the headlines. And privileged can turn a blind eye to what’s real.
As I traveled (big privilege) throughout May, everyone I met from other countries — England, Australia, Germany, Canada, Korea, the Philippines, Russia, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and more — were saddened, horrified, and trying to understand how our country had fallen so far.
Paraphrasing from a recent walk my friend Rebecca and I took, American exceptionalism doesn’t survive when you have a passport. I’ll add to that: especially when you’re a person who cares about others and not just yourself.
There’s been a long-standing phrase used by the military, but I think it applies more to you and me than anyone else: America is free because of the brave.
Be brave against this current America.
Use your voice for the people next to you, not the ones actively trying to stomp you out.
xox, Michelle
Love this photo from the American Tanker site in Guam by TNT Divers Guam.
Use Your Voice.
If you’re ready to deeply understand who you are now, get clarity on what makes you different and unique, and become confident using your voice consistently and coherently with stories that align with your identity and strategy? Let’s chat.
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Presence is a practice. We have finite time, be here for it.
