Those who have known me over the years know that my special interests have taken many different shapes and forms. This season is fly fishing, fly tying, and rowing drift boats. In this past year, I’ve learned more about my neurodivergence and can better understand myself—hoping, in turn, to better understand my world.
Those who know me know that I live with deep convictions and a strong internal sense of what I believe to be right. I also often fail at reserving judgment for what I believe to be wrong. This comes across as spicy, and now I know: I am neuro-spicy.
Those who know me know that I feel deeply. I am anchored in compassion that reaches out with kindness. I want to understand, feel, and know the circumstances of others; to relate as best I can, while recognizing my limitations in fully being in those spaces.
Those who know me know that I am on my own journey of becoming and belonging, shaped by uncommon voices. I don’t follow the popular trends, figureheads, or podcasts. Some say I march to the beat of my own drum. That is only partly right. I march to my own orchestra. Those who know me know I celebrate my magnificence.
Those who know me know that I’ve been an envelope-pusher without being a paper-pusher. I’m not a “yes man,” and I don’t like to fit into the expectations of others. I don’t give permission for others to “should on me,” and I try not to “should on myself.”
Those who know me know that I’ve been on relentless pursuits for peace. They know that I am fiercely protective of my own wellbeing—because those who know me know I haven’t always been at my best.
Those who know me know that I thrive in intentionality, in narrowing, in the subtle and smaller ways of knowing.
It is one of the greatest gifts I know—to be seen and to be known.
In the months ahead, I’ll be stepping away from leading. Those who know me know I’m often asked to lead something. But the rivers and streams have captivated my curiosity, and the hospital rooms have become my “church.” It’s time to narrow my scope to the people, places, and spaces that draw me in.
Cheers to those who know me. And cheers to those who do the same.
Thank you to those who have shared the many chapters with me. I’m grateful for what has been, for today, and the days that come.