Maturity

Happy Friday!

Welcome to this week’s edition on “Maturity” (#212)

Do you know someone who was born on the 29th of Feb? Did that make them feel special or sad? Do they celebrate their birthday once every 4 years or every year??J?As toddlers and youngsters, it may have confused or agitated them not to have a 29th day every year. However, as they grew up and started learning how time works, they would have understood it and may even have laughed about it. Awareness, time, and maturity play a critical role in helping us cope with situations, particularly when they are unfavorable, difficult, and stressful.

As we are wrapping up this special month, I want to reflect upon some personal experiences in this country as we observe the month of February as Black History Month every year.?

Earlier in the century, when I first migrated to the US, in the days when GPS was still not a thing, I lost my way in the deep pockets of Cincinnati downtown. I ended up driving into an alley where people congregated in large numbers in the middle of the street. Almost all of them happened to be Black. I was scared to get down and ask them for directions to get back to the highway. No one did or say anything to me that made me feel that way. It was my personal prejudices. – Awareness. (lack thereof)

?Fast forward a decade, I use to frequent a children’s park with my toddler kids in the sunny southern California. It used to be filled with sounds of joy and laughter. Many adults and elderly were present too walking, running, and simply talking. Interestingly, majority of the kids and families were Indian origin and Asian. In a hallway conversation with a Caucasian friend at work, I learned that they avoid that park, as it’s filled with brown people.?L?I felt offended not realizing that’s how I felt myself a decade ago in Cincinnati. – Time.?

After living, working, and traveling for over two decades in this country, I feel like I have made good strides in becoming a better human being – in aspects like, not judging a book by its cover, listening without judgement, making a conscious effort to see other’s point of view. Throughout this journey I have made lasting friendships with a handful of black people and people from diverse backgrounds, which has enriched my life in countless ways. It's through these friendships and interactions that I've come to appreciate the richness of diversity and the importance of empathy and understanding. – Maturity.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that maturity has played a significant role in shaping my attitudes and perspectives. As we navigate through life, we encounter various experiences that challenge our beliefs and biases. It's how we respond to these challenges that ultimately defines our growth as individuals.

?Black History Month serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It's a time to honor their contributions to society and reflect on the ongoing fight for equity, equality, and justice. As we commemorate this month, let us celebrate the accomplishments of the past and commit ourselves to creating a more inclusive future for all. Let us strive to cultivate empathy, understanding, and acceptance towards others, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background.

Let me leave you with these profound words by James Baldwin, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”?

Thank you and wishing you all a great weekend.