24. AND WHAT ELSE?

And what else?

I feel the worry and the angst that comes with uncertainty for what the future holds. I know the incredible pain, loss, and sadness that comes when a loved-one dies young.  I understand the weight of impossible choices, where no one answer meets the needs or will of all.

AND.

And I know well the fierce bonds forged through shared pain.  I witness the power of showing up collectively and demanding change.  I understand the gift only loss can give—knowing time is precious and connection matters more than anything.

As an Advantageist, I don’t look away from pain or deny its impact.  To invalidate pain, mine or another’s, is to reject life and our experience in it.  Finding the advantages in difficult experiences or emotions isn’t about silver linings or avoidance of the pain that is real, true, and valid.  It is about recognizing there is more to this story.  There is pain AND there is more.

An Advantageist asks, “and what else?”

I see and feel the fear our federal government is serving up with its masked enforcers.  If I look, I also see the compassion and courage of those using their voice, many for the first time, to reject it.

Your pain is real and true and valid.  When you are stuck under the weight of heavy experiences, feel your pain and ask, “and what else?”

To live fully, we must ask ourselves what is also true.  There, we find the advantages.