A lack of identity can be one of the most devastating of human conditions. One of the most powerful ways to find and preserve a sense of identity is by finding and documenting our stories and our ancestors’ stories. An excellent way to do this is to reach out to the custodians of your story:… Read more »
In 2008, I worked in Nigeria briefly, with an organization focused on the sexual health of children and youth. I was giving a talk on self-esteem when a girl, no older than nine or ten, raised her hand. “Excuse me, ma,” she said. “If my mother tells me to follow man, and I refuse, and… Read more »
I remember when I first started to feel inadequate. I remember that day so well. We were standing in our favorite place, in front of the bathroom mirror. In my mind’s eye, I can still see six-year-old me seated crossed-legged on a step-stool, with Mommy’s oversized pink terry robe wrapped around my little body. Oh!… Read more »
I‘ve had a lot of conversations with people who do not imagine that their goals and desires are attainable. People, who for lack of a better word, have given up, because they just don’t see hope or success for themselves anymore. After having these types of discussions over and over again, I noticed a commonality…. Read more »