GUIDING THOUGHTS EP.4 : RELAX. WE’RE FAMILY.

Given how much danger there is in this world, it seems natural to keep my walls up and thickly guarded. I know how judgemental people can be because I analyze my own self like I’m looking for a piece of toast on the ocean floor.

But that is only a helpful mindset sometimes. I’m hoping to make it more like a feature of my mindset rather than the whole thing. I don’t want to wake up and feel like all my moves should be perfection.

When I’m at home with my family it feels like I can breathe, it feels like I can say what’s actually on my mind. So I wonder what it would be like if I just pretended everyone was my family. Strangers, old friends, acquaintances, colleagues. Is it possible to create a general sense of unity, treat everyone the same, and just be honest everywhere I go? Can I just be silly?

I think when people go to church, an honest and tight community is what many are looking for. I appreciate communities where it feels like people around you are in it together with you, and there’s an understanding that we will be imperfect together. I respect that. I also respect families that keep open arms to bring people in.

Believing “that’s my family” for everyone you meet is a surprisingly radical thought. I know there are places I could say that and be laughed at. I guess people have expectations for others to be part of “family.” But I don’t want any of those, I’d rather practice unconditional open arms.