I talk a lot about the person as an individual because I have a working theory that what we can truly control is our self. If that theory is true, then what matters is our story and how we live our story to serve others. There might be people who share a similar story grid, but it’s not the same.

You and I might share a few threads in common, but we are not the same. Your story is just as beautiful and just as tragic as mine. There are so many aspects about what you do that make you the powerhouse that you are — you are not 1 of many in some cohort of people.

Be careful not to lump people into a cohort too quickly. As easy as it is for us to simplify people, do the hard work of seeing people and their beautiful personal stories first.

Interestingly, I think when we stop and appreciate someone for the beautiful person they are, we start to see they aren’t so much different from us — they’re just doing their best, they love, they cry, and like you, they wish someone would give them the benefit of the doubt.