Text Only

Talk about your experience keeping this journal. Has it had any impact on your health (including mental health) and well-being?

This journal has been a way for me to process, to relate, to empathize with those who are similar and different from me at the same time. It has been a joy to just write and create. I find myself listening to understand the perspectives that are different than mine. As though experience can be leverage to understand what reality means to you in times of uncertainty. I got to watch people awaken, challenge contemporary notions of white supremacy by meeting people where they are at. I learned to stand up for myself and know that it is okay to be overwhelmed, to be broken, to lean into my family and friends. This journal has helped me find a way to connect with others without ever getting to meet them. To reflect in my own humility with the stories that others have to share. For that, I am truly grateful. I often tell myself as a figure skater before competition that all the people in the stands are friends I have yet to meet or make. To be honest, I feel the same way about people here, friends, strangers, essential workers, humans who I have yet to connect with.