Use Your Voice for Good
On a recent long drive, I finally listened to Jonathan Van Ness’s incredible podcast “Getting Curious.” Not only is he a beautiful human inside and out, his podcast is a joy to listen to and sparks so many feelings and ideas. One of the many episodes I listened to, set Jameela Jamil opposite Jonathan in an eye-opening, gut busting, inspirational interview. How often do you get to listen to two of your favorite people in limelight sit down and chat about important issues and the stories of how they pooed themselves?...which is always an honest concern of mine.
The podcast reminded me of a topic I try my best to emphasize. And that is using the platform you have to lift others up. While the HungryHungryHelen platform is still in its teeny, tiny, weenie, baby growing phase, it is a place to share my thoughts and ideas to inspire others.
As a white, able-bodied, straight female with a very loving family and incredible support system of friends, I know I am incredibly privileged in today’s world. That being said, I want to use that privilege to help others voices be heard, to help those who may be too scared to speak to feel confident to share their story. I open myself up to be vulnerable with others so the next person will maybe be comfortable doing the same. Everyone owns their own story, whether it comes from love or hardship, it is a powerful and important story.
Self Love & Leadership Workshop with the Pi Kappa Peanuts at The College of Wooster, Spring 2019
My life is full of incredible people, strong women, people from the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, people with disabilities, and people who struggle with their mental health. Every single one of those people has contributed to my life and my way of thinking in a positive way. I would not be the person I am without those people. Those people who never get enough representation, who must constantly stand up for themselves and the struggles they may face.
As we just left mental health awareness month, are in the height of Pride, and are approaching Juneteenth, it makes me think how can I, how can we all, be better allies for these communities of people. For the most part, I already give them the love and support I would give any human. I also want to stand up for them, for the injustices faced, for all the bullshit they encounter in their lives.
I talk about self love from MY perspective, a fairly privileged one, but in order for me to truly feel love for myself, I must also embrace all those around me. Because each and every one of us has something incredible to contribute to this world. We are all beautiful, gorgeous humans and by sharing our stories, maybe we can create change.