Together, We Make a Difference

Together, We Make a Difference

In the face of our challenging political and human rights environment, we can make a difference in our corner of the world using the Befriending Dragons philosophy and tools like Gracious Space and Radical Candor. Here’s how we can apply these principles to create a country that is kind, community-focused, anti-racist, prosperous for all, and empathetic. Together we make a difference.

A Bite of Befriending Dragons

Befriending Dragons encourages us to frame our narratives – the way we talk about ourselves, others, and systems – to focus on being our authentic selves as we claim what we want within our scope of control. We can be empathetic and kind with others, even those with opposing views, without agreeing with them or conceding that they get to create harm for others. We start by truly understanding ourselves, our values, and our strengths, and build on that in our relationships with people and systems.

1. Build Community and Kindness

To counter isolationism and loneliness, we can focus on building strong, supportive communities. This means actively reaching out toothers, offering support, and fostering connections. Who will you reach out to today? Together, we make a difference.

Action Step

- Have a casual meetup with someone. Be intentional in how much time you spend on sharing your negative responses, how much on practical knowledge sharing and advice, and how much on creating next steps and/or just being together on another topic. Practice saying something kind about yourself to the other person. Together, we make a difference.

2. Promote Anti-Racism

We all have something to learn about anti-racism, and we’ll never have the perfect knowledge and skills to solve it alone. Join with others, be comfortable with not knowing and with making mistakes, and keep going forward. When we learn to be comfortable with discomfort and ambiguity, stay in community as conflict occurs, and stay curious we are taking steps towards anti-racism, which is the foundation for creating cultures where everyone thrives and identity doesn’t determine outcomes. Together, we make a difference.

Action Step

- Find something new to learn about systems thinking, oppressive cultures, or hidden history. You might actively follow an anti-racist online, listen to a podcast like “Seeing White” or “The 1619 Project,” or read a book. Take one tiny action or habit from each thing you consume. Journal about it and find something you can do within yourself or your community to follow through. Small steps are where the true change happens. Talk about it with your community.

3. Practice Empathy and Compassion

Empathy allows us to understand and share the feelings of others. By fostering empathy, we create a more compassionate society that values the well-being of all its members. Together, we make a difference.

Action Steps

- Practice active listening and seek to understand others’ perspectives. Don’t let them consume you, listening doesn’t indicate agreement. Ask them to offer you the same respect and if they agree then share your perspectives.

- Read a fiction or non-fiction book or blog written by someone with a different identity than your own.

4. Create Gracious Space

Gracious Space enables us to create an environment where everyone feels safe to speak their truth and be heard as we engage in conflict while working towards a shared purpose. This involves fostering inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging. Together, we make a difference.

Action Step

- Spend time at gatherings, even ones with strict timelines and “get it done” cultures, to get to know each other. Ask what brings people to the gathering and what keeps them motivated towards the shared purpose of the gathering. Be open to hearing where you’re unaligned and where there might be differences of opinion.

5. Embrace Radical Candor

Radical Candor encourages us to care personally while challenging directly. By fostering open and honest communication, we can address and dismantle harmful behaviors and ideologies. This involves calling out racism, greed, and meanness when we see it, and doing so in a way that emphasizes empathy and the desire for positive change. Together, we make a difference.

Action Steps

- Hold others accountable for their actions through direct and honest feedback, while coming from a heart and mind of caring deeply about that person.

- Engage in difficult conversations with the intent to understand and improve, not just to criticize.

Final Thoughts

When we apply the principles of Befriending Dragons, Gracious Space, and Radical Candor we embrace community, kindness, anti-racism, empathy, and equitable prosperity. That opens the door so we can work towards transforming our country into a place where everyone can thrive. It’s a collective effort, and every small action contributes to the larger change we seek. Let’s take a deep breath, be kind to ourselves and others, and keep moving forward with intention and purpose.

What ONE thing will you commit to for the next week?

Together, we make a difference.

An Invitation

Let’s grab coffee - virtual or IRL. Build your community - I’m here for you. https://befriendingdragons.com/meet

Stay curious!

Cindy Gross, Founder & CEO of Befriending Dragons

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Cindy

Bonus

I have a handful of New Years “Wicked Confidence” postcards left, if you want one, please send your physical mailing address to [email protected].