We recently had a full-team meeting, ALL HANDS ON DECK! It really went well, but I thought I would share some insight into what a Thai meeting looks like in my mind's eye! Hope you enjoy.
Volunteer Pitfalls
Today's post starts with a small photo album. Jumping on my bicycle or going for a walk are how I find myself adding activity to my life, and finding peace and renewal. I have always liked photography, but now it is an inexpensive way for me to be reminded of the beauty, joy, and wonder the world has hidden around every corner.
I want you all to know that as far as I can tell, I am doing fine right now. There has certainly been a lot of change, and the normal stress that goes with change is compounded a bit in a foreign country.
I have some posts that I want to share because they are relevant to volunteering. The tone may not be upbeat, or positive, but know that these problems are resolved or resolving as we speak.
This post speaks to issues of boundaries, cultural differences, and how good intentions sometimes lead to unintended consequences.
Thoughts in the wake of Nice
Things are going to change, I can feel it... I was not expecting to write today, but a quiet morning with the sunrise and a sore throat got me thinking. My thoughts came together in a way that seemed appropriate for public sharing.
The Lens of Privilege
Today, I am sharing something a lot different. It is a poem that came to me back in December. I have been working on it ever since. It's not real long, so maybe you can muster the energy for it.
It's Embarassing
Today, I am going to share a look back at my own history as it relates to diversity. I present this mea culpa for both your benefit and mine. I have had this prepared for some time, but have hesitated to share it on multiple occasions.
I believe that honestly putting this out there will help free myself from the fear of my reality becoming public knowledge. A history that I can justifiably be embarrassed about. So I put this out there to say I am very flawed, but I am going to try.
I am going to be honest and open to criticism. I am trying to learn and I am going to make mistakes. I can only learn from those mistakes if people point them out to me.
I can only learn from people pointing out my mistakes if I am willing to admit wrong: admitting wrong instead of the natural inclination to defensiveness, denial, justification, or excuse. And then, I can continue to imperfectly move forward.
Feel free to take this walk with me.
It's So Real
Dealing with the tragedies of the past week has not been easy. I cannot say whether it is harder or easier than being at home, but it is definitely different. Much of the reading I have been doing surrounds social justice throughout the world. Much of the living I have done has helped me understand marginalization.
I should share with you that there are probably only two things unique about these posts: 1) you know me so that impacts how you process my words. 2) I am having this transition or awakening in a relative vacuum here in Thailand.
Otherwise, you can expect to hear the voice of yet another white male coming to understand his privilege. How that privilege has shaped a huge portion of my life, and how I interact with the world. There are at least hundreds, hopefully thousands of thousands of men like me out there who have had nearly the same experience. I am aware that many have already written about the experience, and have likely done it more eloquently.
Much of the content I will be sharing this week has been in the works for months. I cannot keep it to myself any longer, and I can no longer try to perfect it. I am putting it out there with its imperfections and the knowledge that I have no control over what will come. But maybe, just one person will begin their journey to greater understanding because of it. That hope is more than enough for me.
