If you have followed me on social media or have known me in real life, especially over the last four or five years, you are aware that I’ve become somewhat of a social activist. I’m involved in some groups that fight to bring about desperately needed social change. I don’t talk about these groups or who’s in them but these are smaller groups so we all know each other, and there are some pretty famous and powerful people in these groups with me. I feel quite lucky to be asked to take part.

One of the things that I have wanted to do for quite some time was have a conversation about inequality on the podcast. It was something that I didn’t know how to approach. It’s also something that’s so important that I didn’t want to screw it up or come across wrong.

This afternoon, I finally had a conversation with an absolutely amazing guest. I recognize that I live a life of privilege, as do many other people who look like me. I also recognize that there are things that I will never truly understand because I’ve not ever had to face some of these things, and likely never will.

The conversation I had today helped me to better understand what so many of my fellow humans are going through every single day. We talked about things like systemic racism, as well as inequity in everyday things like healthcare, education, housing, and employment.  All things that so many of us, myself included, take for granted.

I’ll be completely honest and say that I was uncomfortable going into this not because I didn’t want to talk about it but because I’m coming from a position of privilege and I wanted to do this important topic, justice.

I ended up learning so much. I learned how I can be a better ally and friend. That’s important to me. I also feel like a made a new friend and I’m going to continue being part of the solution going forward. 

My delivery was definitely lacking a bit because I was so nervous but here’s the thing. We need to have these conversations, even if it makes us uncomfortable. It’s okay to be uncomfortable and sometimes growth requires that we live in that space every once in a while. We can’t change what we don’t recognize or acknowledge and we can’t learn from each other if we don’t sit down and talk.

My hope is that this will educate and inspire others to have a similar conversation with the people in their lives. We’re all in this together and it’s our differences that make us stronger.

I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to experience what I did today. I learned so much, including how I can be a better ally and friend. A huge thank you to Nakeya Fields for coming on the show and having this important conversation with me. I’ve been invited to take part in some things that will help me to be part of the solution. For that, I’m grateful. ☺

This episode will drop in the coming weeks but for now, you can get caught up on all the other episodes by clicking here.