It's my 56th birthday today, Hooray!
Last month, I shared about Freedom as the theme of my life.
This month, I'm inspired to share another life theme:
Courage and getting into 'Good Trouble.'
An experience back in the early 90's ignited my Courage fire.
I was in an intensive personal growth seminar called Omega.
We were on day 2 of the 3 day seminar and it was deep stuff.
There was a man who was sharing, and the vibe had grown heavy.
We were all agitated because he was going on and on in victim mode for a
very long time, talking in circles, rejecting everything the facilitator offered.
It reached a point that I couldn't take feeling the intensity of
unrest anymore so I asked if I could speak to him. I don't remember what
I said specifically, but in essence I told this man that he was being selfish
and taking up a lot of time and energy in the room. I talked about how I
have done this before too, and watching him was showing me how
exhausting and fruitless this is. When I spoke my body and voice were shaking, but I was present, clear, honest and direct.
Whatever I said shifted the man and the whole room for the better.
The facilitator spoke about my courage, authenticity and vulnerability.
Several people embraced me on the break, commenting on the
bravery and impact of my sharing. It was the first time I remember understanding that my voice had the power to create change.
And I haven't been able to shut up since, LOL
A few more Good Trouble stories:
While traveling Europe soul-o in 2000, I stopped thefts in 3 different cities from happening right in front of me. One of them involved a man stealing a man's bag while everyone was sleeping, and me chasing him through 4 train cars to the bathroom where he locked the door. I waited until a train assistant arrived. On the night of September 11, 2001, a fight broke out with 4 guys jumping a guy in front of me. I ran into the middle of the fight and was begging them to stop punching the guy while everyone else witnessing this was yelling 'kick his ass.' I ended up getting a concussion when I was knocked to the ground and pepper sprayed by the police. In 2003, I was arrested and spent the night in Hermosa Beach Jail for refusing to leave a scene where the police were harassing a Black man because of the color of his skin. I've marched in marches for good causes, and did a one woman peace march.
I've called out false prophets and questioned those who claim
the title of authority and power, but do not demonstrate this authentically.
These are just a few examples. Life has presented many opportunities
for me to get into good trouble, necessary trouble.
In each instance, I was scared to get involved...
But, the call to act was bigger than the fear.. and not getting involved
would've been more costly to my inner peace of mind and heart.
Even though Leo the Lion is known as the brave sign in the zodiac,
I don't attribute my courage to my birth sign. For all of my early life
I was deeply insecure and afraid. I didn't dare say anything
for fear of being ostracized, rejected or seen as uncool.
My courage has developed as I have grown and become willing to be seen.
It has been strengthened through failing and falling and getting up again.
It blossomed when I stopped needing to be popular and liked.
It flourished when I dared to question blindly following the mainstream
status quo that is often misaligned and marginalizes others.
It expanded as I took brave risks, daring to be true to my heart.
It skyrocketed when I learned that true power is an inside experience.
As I said, fear is often present, but the call to act in Love is stronger.
What is some Good Trouble that you get into?
Are you involved in a cause near and dear to your heart?
Are you a single parent raising your child(ren) with courage?
Are you calling out racism, sexism and micro-aggressions?
Are you willing to take action for justice and equality for all?
Are you willing to share your views, even when you may be
misunderstood, judged, rejected or disliked?
Are you able to set clear boundaries and stick to them?
Do you welcome honest feedback, even if it is unpleasant?
Do you research candidates and issues, and vote responsibly?
Do you question your own bias, prejudice and illusions?
Are you aware of your shadow and shortcomings?
Are you willing to have difficult conversations?
Do you apologize and make amends sincerely?
Can you easily admit defeat, failure or error?
We each have a voice, a mind, capable hands and a tender heart.
We each have the ability to make this world a better place...
Through seeing, being, speaking and sharing Love.
Sometimes Love is not all butterflies, roses and rainbows.
Sometimes its gritty and hard and vulnerable and messy.
But its still... all Love...
Everything is Love... or a call to Love.
The rEVOLution for goodness, kindness, compassion and caring is here.
You can lead or follow, but show up and get involved.
Let LOVE Lead the way.
Be a Good Trouble Maker.
I promise you'll be in good company ;)
Truly,
Teri Jo
![John Lewis talks about getting into 'good trouble' [at the NCC]](https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e-8DThtP36Q/hqdefault.jpg)
