I see … hope. Because without it, there is nothing but darkness.

Acquiescence – a natural human reaction to oppression. It is often an overwhelming feeling of “Why bother, things will never change” but they have my friend, they have.

But it is easy for me to say that, for I had my Mom and her journey and now, my adult life. To compare the two shows me much has changed.

My mother prayed for sanctuary, for safe spaces, huddling within the few she found, with no desire to venture anywhere else (and I would be willing to bet, she wished I would stop venturing too).

And then there’s me, working with team after business after corporation to build safe spaces, to create and maintain them so that finding a safe space is no longer a search but dare we say, eventually, a given?

My Mom did not dare to use her voice. I use mine to encourage others to do same.

My Mother was disregarded as uneducated, female, and indigenous whereas I am seen as a Kwe, Anishnaabekwe, educated in an indigenous worldview that can aid our own and our brothers and sisters of all colours.

And on and on we go.

So today, as my membership site moves closer to fruition, as I prepare to submit a proposal for a one-day 52-Steps seminar … I give thanks for a very long winter of oppression that is finally showing the smallest signs of melting, and I give thanks for the opportunity to blow some heat on the most resistant of ice.

The journey continues and today, I give thanks for that.

And for you.
 

I love you!
HUGSSSSSSS
Sandi