So much is going on in our social and political climate today that is matched with public commentary from all sides. I struggle to voice my opinion on these matters for several reasons.

I made two major decisions as I matured from adolescence into adulthood. One, I would stop being fake and hiding behind a mask. And two, I would not share or dispute my core values and beliefs with the world at large.

These may seem like contradicting rules of behavior. I think they are actually complementary. What I gain from vulnerability in being open to those that want to see the real me is actually empathy and tolerance for those that differ from me.

This is not a perfect science. Occasionally, I find myself in a discussion that lends to “opening a can of worms” in terms of debating controversial topics. I do have to remind myself restraint is more in line with my core and I pull back to sharing my experience rather than my opinion.

That is the key I think.

What we need more of is sharing our personal experiences and less of arguing our personal opinions. When you can truly understand a person’s journey in life, the core beliefs take shape without even voicing them.

And it leaves the door open to drawing conclusions about your own life. I have held strong to the thought that two people discussing a deep-set value which is opposite from the other person will never be productive in changing either person’s mind. Debate of controversial topics will only further ingrain the existing opinion of each person. It serves no purpose.

But when we share our experiences with no agenda, we unleash a new world where people find similarities and differences can exist, and both sides can coexist.

The battle within me to stand up for the things I care about is not an easy thing in this realm of blogging. I don’t want to be silent. I don’t want to let the intolerance of the world and comparison game to hold me back.

So I will not back down from sharing who I am, through life experiences. And I will never impose my beliefs on anyone who reads my blog. My hope is anyone who reads my writing will be influenced positively, even to the core.