Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes
The phrase “nothing changes if nothing changes” continues to cycle through my mind, body, and soul.
The concept of CHANGE generates thoughts, feelings, and choice.
🤔 What do I THINK about change?
🤔 How do I FEEL about change?
🤔 Which direction do I CHOOSE?
As an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, I CHOSE CHANGE!
I THOUGHT getting on a plane and moving from the Deep South to the Midwest would CHANGE everything. I FELT COURAGEOUS, OPEN, NERVITED (nervous + excited).
Time for the heartbreaking truths . . .
I still experienced floods of the same hatred, conscious and unconscious biases, transparent divisions, and the lack of uncomfortable conversations that I so deeply desired AND NEEDED! When I graduated in the spring of 2000, HOPE burned within me; I knew in my heart infinite possibilities and opportunities would create CHANGE for ALL!
The most powerful and influential lesson: PATIENCE!
With the FULLEST heart, Madison has evolved, expanded, AND continues to show the city and college's desire for more! Thank YOU, UW-Madison for creating ACTIONABLE CHANGE.
As an educator in and for the world, natural social-science researcher, AND unwavering compassionate lifelong learner, I am quite aware AND familiar with how fear and resistance prevents uncomfortable conversations.
AND, my research consistently proves that if YOUTH are willing to curiously and courageously engage in uncomfortable conversations, then WE ALL MUST TAKE THE LEAP!
Directions . . .
**I hope you'll play independently, followed by playing with your child(ren) AND family.
1. 👀 Look at each picture intentionally hanging for ALL OF US!
2. 🔎 Choose one image . . . curiously explore feelings, questions, thoughts, etc that surface within you.
3. 🧘🏾 Allow yourself space for HONEST self-investigation.
Explore when sneaky judgment surfaces.
What has your new self-awareness taught you ABOUT YOU?
How will you choose differently . . . or stay the same?
4. Repeat above with your children.
Press REPLY and let me know what comes up for YOU. By paving the way to have uncomfortable conversations with your children, YOU are creating space to normalize sitting in the discomfort.
I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Love,
Dana💛
PS YOU are opening the doors for YOUR CHILD to courageously talk with you, their peers, family, AND OUR COLLECTIVE community.
PPS I'm bringing my signature workshops and professional development programs to cities around the US and Europe. If you're ready for YOUR CHILD to consciously and courageously engage in uncomfortable conversations, CLICK ⬇️⬇️
Do a good DEED, and pass along my email!
