By Why me is not a question I remember ever asking. Why is a question I have asked probably a billion times. My academic training and natural curiosity make sure why is a question I ask, probably, way too much. Several years ago, I was having a conversation with a friend and fellow political scientist. Our conversations always make me think differently. Her self-awareness and awareness of the world are what I aspire to. During this conversation I knew she was not her usual self. As we kept talking, my intuition kicked in. She needed me to help her with perspective resetting. I quietly said, “It is going to be okay, my friend. We are going to be okay.” She asked how I was so certain given everything.
“It is not just us. It never is.” She asked me to elaborate. After recounting the story of how the word together changed my life, I told her often my chosen brother/journey partner reminds me to trust in my gifts and abilities that come from above just as he does. He tells me no experience is ever wasted, and it will all work out as it should if I keep believing, trusting, working, and asking for help when needed.
As I told her all of that, I realized the reason I had been through what I went through in my life was so that I could help my friend feel better. At the time, I thought that was the only reason. My view was much too narrow, however. All I have gone through, experienced, and survived is to be to tell my story to the entire world. Sharing my life experience through writing blog posts and creating video content allows me to use the pain I have experienced to help others not only understand my condition but also know that experiencing challenges and pain is part of our shared humanity and nobody needs to feel alone due to experiencing it. For me, there is no more satisfying and important realization.
