We live in a “you’re _, therefore you’re supposed to be like _ ”- kind of world. We don’t get to pick the stereotypes or expectations that come along with showing up in the world as ourselves.

I show up in the world as myself (i.e., black and from the east side of Detroit, and also “articulate”, intellectually curious, well-traveled, etc.) and sometimes that surprises people.

Sometimes that surprise is expressed in the form of a question: “How did you make it?”.

I used to take offense at the question, but now, as I state in episode 2, “when someone is curious because something or someone doesn’t line up with their expectations and they do ask a question or express an ill-informed opinion, I don’t want to be the person who dismisses them or shames them.”

You know why? Because I’ve been the person asking the question or holding the ill-informed opinion.

Let’s be real: sometimes I’m still that person. I invite you to stop acting like we haven’t all been that person.

And as you listen to episode #2, “How Did You Make It?”, I invite you to reflect on how what you heard in this episode speaks to YOUR experience. Have you ever been the person directing an ill-informed question at someone? Have you ever been the person receiving the question? What might it look like for you to meet yourself and others in your bias or ignorance with understanding, and a willingness to learn or maybe even teach?

If you want to chime in on the discussion, the “I Want to Change the World Podcast Community” on Facebook is the perfect place to do so! You can also email me at janai@gilmorefacilitationllc.com or drop me a line @missjanaiashley on IG.