AMANTE DE LA LUNA

 “Is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profound sick society”

Jiddhu Krishnamurti

In a world full of resentment and hate, only love can propel us through the challenges society faces, as division fractures our systems and threatens what we have already achieve in terms of reconciliation and peace. Understanding that peace is not only the lack of violent confrontation between parts, but the achievement of a more prosperous society, where humanity is the spine that sustains the economic system.

It is necessary to understand that a system that discredits humanity as the vector of change and wellbeing is deemed to fail, as resentment is more likely to corrupt the human spirit on those who didn’t benefit of the great advancements of a flourishing and ‘healthy economy’. And therefore, confrontation will be the only exit many actors will find to make their voices heard.

It is no surprise that we live in a world that is constantly remind us that only the better get ahead. A world where competition seems to be the only way to advance, even if sometimes this mean stepping onto others to achieve our goals. I do not believe in competition, and as matter of fact, I have no issues with being labeled as a failure. With all honesty, failure has been the constant in my life. Failure, resilience, empathy and an unmovable faith in the capacity that love will guide me, and gratitude will heal my wounds.

I refused to be self-absorbed in a world where I get push to be famous and wealthy, rather than being talented and happy. A world that is constantly pushing me to be strong and bold, and where boldness seems to be an open invitation to cruelty and disdain. A world where vulnerability is a shameful affair and collaboration an utopia.

I am not different that many men and women who struggle every day to embrace their humanity and vulnerability, but I have found my power in my writing. This power I use to tell the story of who I am with my whole heart. And is this writing, that sustained me in the best moments and that got me through the worst. Writing taught me to be humble, honest and kind.

But the best thing that writing taught me, was how powerful is to open my heart and fully embrace my vulnerability, my imperfection and my authenticity. And how amazing is to have the courage to love and invest my time, soul and life to a cause (or relationship) that might not be successful but is worth the fight. And most importantly, to never be ashamed to be the first one to apologize, to say ‘I love you’, to say ‘I care’, to say ‘I am sorry, please allow me to fix my wrongdoings’ and sometimes to be the first one to say ‘I need your help’ even if no one will extend their hand, even if my struggles mean nothing for others.

I realized that the courage to be imperfect, is where my authenticity relies on, what allows me to connect with others in meaningful ways and to be kind with others. Being authentic allows me in some way to exert compassion over myself and my wrongdoings, but also to see others as imperfect as they are and being able to empathize with them and their struggles. Understanding that empathy is not agreeing, is understanding without judging or labeling others as good or bad.

How powerful is to address someone and empower them to be the best version of themselves they can be. To help them as they climb their ladder to greatness and to sustain them when they feel weak and need a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry. To tell them with your whole heart: you are imperfect and you are wired for struggle whether you want it or not, but you are worthy of love and belonging and you’ll always be enough.

Sometimes we believe that only highly sensitive people can make a lasting impact on society, because of their immense depth of processing emotions, their tremendous empathy for human suffering, and their incredible awareness of subtleties, that allows them to have a deep connection with everything that surrounds them. But the truth is that you do not need to be a highly sensitive person to make an impact: you just need to care. And truly caring for someone, can transform their life.

Why should you care? Because everything that you do has an impact on you. I believe that every opportunity I deny to others, I am denying it for myself. Denying humanity, prevents us from benefiting from the beaten heart of sensitivity and creation, so necessary to make the world a kinder and more prosperous place.

Finally, it is undeniable, the need to have leaders guiding us with courage. Courage not understood as bravery, although this is needed too when our core values get threatened, but mostly courage understood as heart (from latin “cor”). Leaders who put into theirs actions intention, attention with kindness and a positive attitude when challenged and/or facing defeat.

Leaders that understand their role and stay within the boundaries of those roles. Leaders who are prepared; knowing their team’s motivation and strengths and providing them all the tools to be successful in their endeavors. Leaders that have the ability of remaining curious even when they feel challenged, because that ability to remain curious can enable cohesion when differences generate confrontation. Leaders who aren’t afraid to dream big and go for their dreams, understanding that all big dreams require a lot of little steps to become true.

I hope you can find your gift, your strength and your values, and never be afraid to defend them. But mostly, I hope you can be kind, compassionate and empathetic. Find your gift and use it to advance humanity, not to oppress it. Make decisions from your heart, not from your fear or anger, and you’ll achieve greatness.

~Inspired by the TED talk The Power of Vulnerability, by Brené Brown