Living Example

I am regularly told that Hendrix surprises people. They are amazed that a pit bull mix can be so submissive, loving and delightfully playful. They say, "oh, she is not at all what I imagined a pit bull would be like". I assure them that despite what they may have previously believed she is not the exception to the breed but the rule. She is a living example of how wonderful and loyal these dogs not only can be, but are.

This of course has got me to thinking about how I might too become a living example of how wonderful the human breed can be.

In several of my courses recently we have discussed advocacy and being an ally. What exactly qualifies you for this status? Can you simply call yourself an advocate? Is there a certain process one must go through, particular steps that must be taken, boxes that must be ticked? I would argue no. It came to me the other day during Intro to Family Therapy, one can be an advocate simply by living a life that leaves no doubt as to where you stand on the issue. That is in fact exactly how I try to live my life. I hope that there is never any doubt as to what I am passionate about.

I do not have the time I would like to be able to give to charities and volunteer work. If there were 26 hours in the day I would give the extra two away, but instead I take the 24 I am given and put them towards my education in hopes that one day soon I will more adequately be able to help change the world. And until I am able to be a more active ally I use my voice as my tool for change. I stand up for what I believe in and make my voice heard.

The World I Want for My Nephews

This summer has been exhausting for me. My 14 credit course load hasn't taken the wind out of my sails, but it has taken away my time and motivation to blog. I barely have enough time to keep up with all my reading and writing let alone find the time to infiltrate the blogosphere with my self-indulgent ramblings. However, I have had an ample amount of time reflect on the type of therapist I hope to one day become and in turn the kind of world I hope to help create. A better kind of world that my nephew's will inherit and be thankful to have.

I hope my nephews never know the hate, injustice and inequality that exists in our world today. I pray that Sytahn never has racial slurs hit his perfect little ears. That the world accepts him for the beautiful, thoughtful, loving little boy that he is. That he is able to maintain his innocence and curiosity and so be able to grow to be a beautiful, thoughtful, loving young man.

I hope that they both come of age in a world were we openly and happily acknowledge that love is love. We finally understand that love does not care about gender or sexual identity, so that my wonderful nephews will be able to love and be loved in a way that makes them happy and fulfilled without judgement or disgust.

I want the world they inherit to be full of the goodness I see in it. To be free of war and hatred. A world where there is no need for political statement t-shirts or bumper stickers.

I hope Tyson has access to every advantage and opportunity that he deserves. That he never has to know the taunts or teases of unkind classmates. That he meets and exceeds the expectations set for him by ignorant political blowhards.

I pray that every day they understand how much they are loved and how precious of a commodity they are not only to my family but to the world. That they are filled with fire and inspiration to make the world a better place, to treat others with the kindness that so fully inhabits them both. That they are strong to stand up to the ugliness in the world and encompass the ethos of community.

I want the world they inherit to be better simply because they are in it.