Why is now the time for sonder?

If you're going to create change that lasts, you need to see what's in front of you.

In order to see, you need to listen.
In order to listen, you need to realize.

You need to realize that everyone has a life as complicated, vivid, frightful, and just as beautiful as yours. Sonder is that realization.

You don't need me to rehash how 2020 has shaped up for us - it's sucked. We've experienced a lot. What we've also encountered is seeing how our friends react - especially on social media.

I've purposefully taken a step back.

I've chosen to observe how people react, listen, and self-reflect.

I have my opinions, but they don't matter to anyone but myself.

What matters is sonder - my realization that others have complicated lives, too.

Through sonder, I'm a better listener, more thoughtful in my reflections, and more effective at helping others when I can.

Now is the time to realize and fully see the others.