Priya, I had the EXACT same experience. I have missed out on protests in the past that I supported and wanted to show up for (mostly Black Lives Matter) because the idea of a huge crowd of strangers and an unknown situation was terrifying. I’m white and I’m not proud that I let my own discomfort and fear hold me back from doing what I felt was right. I, too, used being an introvert as an excuse not to participate, even while I knew deep down it didn’t give me a pass.
I’ve made some important changes this year (uh, I got SOBER) and because of that I was able to get myself to reach out to friends and ask if I could go with them to the Women’s March. I wanted to be there even though the thought of it still terrified me. And same as you, I’m SO glad I went. There was nothing scary once I got there. And seeing how many people showed up to denounce hate and injustice (I live in Houston, TX so I wasn’t so sure) made me cry. I know it was a small action in the scheme of things, but it definitely gave me some hope and inspired me to take further action and search out ways to be a good ally.
Thanks for writing this and sharing your experiences, Priya! I agree with everything you said and this was a powerful post.
Congrats on getting sober! That’s amazing! I’m so glad you’re moving in the right direction.
I’m glad you went to the Women’s March! There was nothing but love. I definitely use being an introvert as an excuse to not do a lot of things. While I think it’s important to listen to yourself and give yourself the necessary space to re-energize, it doesn’t mean, like you said, you get a pass on life.
Priya, I had the EXACT same experience. I have missed out on protests in the past that I supported and wanted to show up for (mostly Black Lives Matter) because the idea of a huge crowd of strangers and an unknown situation was terrifying. I’m white and I’m not proud that I let my own discomfort and fear hold me back from doing what I felt was right. I, too, used being an introvert as an excuse not to participate, even while I knew deep down it didn’t give me a pass.
I’ve made some important changes this year (uh, I got SOBER) and because of that I was able to get myself to reach out to friends and ask if I could go with them to the Women’s March. I wanted to be there even though the thought of it still terrified me. And same as you, I’m SO glad I went. There was nothing scary once I got there. And seeing how many people showed up to denounce hate and injustice (I live in Houston, TX so I wasn’t so sure) made me cry. I know it was a small action in the scheme of things, but it definitely gave me some hope and inspired me to take further action and search out ways to be a good ally.
Thanks for writing this and sharing your experiences, Priya! I agree with everything you said and this was a powerful post.
Hey Ingrid,
Congrats on getting sober! That’s amazing! I’m so glad you’re moving in the right direction.
I’m glad you went to the Women’s March! There was nothing but love. I definitely use being an introvert as an excuse to not do a lot of things. While I think it’s important to listen to yourself and give yourself the necessary space to re-energize, it doesn’t mean, like you said, you get a pass on life.
Hope you’re doing well. Keep up the good spirits!