In a new stage of pre-menopause that I’m experiencing, apparently I can be hot AND cold at the same time. Who knew? It’s quite interesting to wake up in a sweat AND have cold feet. Also, did you know that my kindergarten students look at a 6 upside down and think it’s a 9? Or that we can be a hero and a villain to our kids at the same time? These are just a few examples of “two things can be true”.
My husband and I have been using the phrase “two things can be true” for several years now, mostly related to politics. I’m not really sure where I first heard it, or who I should credit with originating it (the internet says Rita Mae Brown) but I know it was from one of my favorite podcasts Pantsuit Politics or Sharon Says So, who I quote on the regular.
I think this is one of the best phrases to keep on hand because most conversations include different perspectives. This has become most useful to me when looking at many heated issues like abortion, immigration, and healthcare. Many like to look at things one sided but in reality, any complex issue involving human lives requires a view from multiple angles.
This is also true when we evaluate ourselves. Sometimes we’re too hard on ourselves when we are both growing and struggling at the same time. This reminds me of a great quote I used in my recent post that we can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time (Sophia Bush).
Many people choose a word for the year and I have done the same the last few years but this year I need two. One is just not enough because of this very idea that TWO things are true. Two things are VERY true in my life right now. My two words are ironically SERENITY and DISRUPTION.
I first chose “serenity” from the serenity prayer because I am in desperate need of peace in my life and continue to work through grief and childhood heartache in therapy. I feel all the conflict in the world and specifically the division here in America in a personal way. It has been creating a lot of anxiety in my life that I’m working on through writing, meditation, therapy, setting boundaries, and academic growth (learning about the brain, trauma, and mental health). I still have a lot of work to do but I’m learning the tools that help me handle the anxiety and waves of sadness or anger.
But if I’m honest, my word needs to also be “disruption” because I have been on a path of healing the last 5 years (or in reality, 10-15 years!) which has led to tremendous spiritual growth and a tug on my heart to speak up for the outcast, the marginalized, the victims. God is calling me to be a voice for those that want to be heard, including the little girl that is a big part of who I am as a grown-up. Some people do not feel brave to speak, some need an ally, and some need a defender. This requires disruption in the status quo and I’m willing and empowered to take on this challenge.
So while I continue to make SERENITY a priority in my personal life, and this looks more and more like ongoing self-care and boundaries previously established, there will also be a conscious decision to be a DISRUPTOR in the bad traditions, unhealthy systems, and toxic relationships for the sake of the things that matter. This will look like asking questions, seeking understanding, using my voice to call out injustice, inviting conversations, and seeking courage in the face of adversity.
I know I am not alone. I invite you to join me.
Shelley Harrington 
👏👏👏
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