Rough sea

Up until recently, I had little care for “political correctness”. I have long held the belief that being “politically correct” was indicative of weakness. However through my self reflection, with the backdrop of the human condition, it has become clear that while the human condition is universal, how each individual processes it is unique. In that very moment it dawned on me that political correctness is empathy in practice: an effort to reach someone without offending them through ignorance. The very minute I offend someone I invite pull back, tension that can sever the line of communication, obfuscate belonging, delayed progress because of petty. This is the human reality.

Does being politically correct mean backing away from difficult topics or refraining from honest, open discussion? No. It means approaching it in a way that others can digest and more importantly understand. After all, what good is communication if what is being communicated is not understood? Poor communication undermines all efforts and benefits none; dialogue dissipate leaving behind meaningless diatribe dregs.

In grappling with communication frustration, among other things, I have found new depths to the adage hard times build character. Uncomfortable situations force one to look in the mirror, to examine one's self. Character development mandates looking oneself in the mirror often, ensuring you're indeed becoming the person you desire to become. 

In dark moments of struggle, where self-examination find dirt, contemplation transform baggage into stepping stones towards peace. With this peace, the water from the pipes busted by pressure can to hydrate roots of perspective, rather than drown... giving new life to possibilities. Reflection lead to the realization that I was not accountable to me, not practicing what I preached, growth was wild and uncontrolled. Leaves of purpose were wilting, in need of immediate attention. Weeds chocking potential required disciplined weeding.

The thinning out of the mental garden made clear that empathy in communication, in living, happens with understanding that grows from constant, honest self-examination—an elixir for the human condition.