You, Yourself, and the 3Cs

We frequently talk about the 3Cs — curiosity, compassion, and courage — in a relational context. In other words, we give examples of using the 3Cs with others in conflict, among our peers, and in our broader community.

However, the 3Cs are just as important to use with?yourself. For some of us, this can be a big ask. But?you can’t be anyone’s best ally if you’re your own worst bully.?We can’t be expected to give grace to others when we haven’t even given ourselves grace. If the 3Cs are a tree, the roots are how we practice it within ourselves, and the branches are how it spreads to others.

Be curious about yourself.?Ask yourself what?you?really think — not what you have heard or what those you trust most think. Interrogate which parts of you feel shaped by your circumstance and background and what parts of you feel constant. Analyze your own patterns: what upsets you and what brings out your passions. How can you use that knowledge to better connect with yourself and others?

Be compassionate with yourself.?Beating yourself up will get you nowhere. If it’s not something you would ever dream of saying to someone you love, then don’t say it to yourself. We all have work to do, but who you are now is worthy of love.

Be courageous with yourself.?When you know something to be true in your soul, be brave about its place in your life. Advocate for what you deserve, and speak up when you’re not being respected. Apologize when you know you’re wrong, and have the courage to forgive yourself when you’ve done all that you can.

What do you find hardest about giving yourself radical love?

Updates from our movement:

Check out our?newest episode?of the?3Cs in History:?An Unlikely Alliance?with our own Ama A.

Watch Now

• We cherish workplace advice from our Founder Daniel Lubetzky, and, of course, his suggestions align with the 3Cs. Don’t miss his?Big Ideas for the Workplace in 2023, and see him featured in the?main article?from the team at Linkedin.
• We were curious what AI has to say about polarization.?So we asked!?It’s pretty cool that a computer program can nail fundamental human values.?

We are starting with us. We hope you are too.

With curiosity, compassion, and courage,

The Starts With Us Team

Starts With Us?is a growing movement to?overcome extreme political and cultural division in our country.?We use media and technology to foster independent thinking and constructive communication across our differences, inspiring and empowering our community to practice curiosity, compassion, and courage every day.