Listen, Learn and Act to Create Change

This past week I’ve been quiet on social media while I listened and learned.  When something overwhelms me and I don’t know what to say or do, I follow this wise advice:

“Take the first step in faith.  You don't have to see the whole staircase, just the first step.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

For me, in the current circumstances, that first step has been to listen and learn.  There has been a lot to unpack, understand and discern.  I’ve been reading and listening to better understand words like anti-racism,  white privilege and unconscious bias.  I will continue this work and am committed to better understanding so that I can be a part of the change that the world needs.  One impactful action we can take is to teach our children and/or our parents.

Here is some insight on listening with the intention of learning so you can act & create change:

1) Start with leaders that you trust.  Read what they have to say and expand from there based on who they have on their platforms or share links or resources from.  Build on from there.

2) When you are triggered or feel uncomfortable, stay with it.  Question those triggers to dig deeper. This is where the change will begin.

3) Be vulnerable, and talk things through with others to ensure you understand.  You might make mistakes or say something wrong but this is the only way to learn.  Keep showing up, even if you fall down. 

4) Empathy is being fully present, experiencing the energy and feelings underneath the words the other is speaking and trying to walk in their shoes vs. listening through your life lens or biases.

5) Be patient.  Even if what is being said to you or what you are reading doesn’t make sense the first time, keep listening.  It will over time with continued attention and different voices.

6) Remember, if you are formulating your next argument or statement while someone else is talking, you are NOT listening to what is being said.  Hear them fully with all of your attention and then respond with empathy.

Once you have a better understanding, it is time to take action.  Continued action will create change.