The kind of person I try to be

We are always learning, growing, and evolving. At this moment in time, I try to be the kind of person who

holds the door

makes the group get together to take a photo

doesn't immediately dismiss something because it's not been my experience or is not what I want to hear

eats the ice cream and doesn't talk about calories or guilt

accepts responsibility for my part in things

encourages others

acts to improve things instead of just bitching about them

shows up for people

knows when I am not drinking enough water or getting enough sleep and then tries to get more of both

gets rid of shit I don't use

speaks up about things that are important to me even if my voice shakes

says no

says yes

won't finish the book just to say I finished the book

works towards liberty and justice for all

does the right thing even when it's painful or I don't want to

knows racism, homophobia, and misogyny passed off as opinion is just plain old racism, homophobia, and misogyny

puts in a solid day's work

accepts that I will never wash my face every night

realizes comparison is the thief of joy

gives myself the grace I urge others to give themselves

is inclusive

laughs at herself

won't sacrifice comfort for fancy footwear

does better when I know better

will speak truth to power

values opinions but won't change myself for anyone

helps

doesn't pretend like everything is perfect

is loyal

cries when I feel the need

is protective of my energy and watchful of who and what I allow into my physical, mental, and emotional space

willingly shows home life that does not look like the Pottery Barn catalog

asks for help and says out loud when things are not going great

10 years ago I would've rather eaten my own arm than done either thing mentioned in the last line.

Cheers to growth.

I am not perfect, but I try every day and that's all we can ask of each other as human neighbors. 

What kind of person do you try to be?