Let’s not offend

Beyond the binary asks, "Is it possible to meet or interact with someone without performing a gender attribution? Have you ever done so?" (Dea, 2016, pg. 34).

This is a question I initially glossed over because I thought, 'Yes, I’m guilty.' In the past, I have seen a hairstyle and assumed gender. I have since learned that assuming in any situation is grounds for disaster. In The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz, Don Jose Ruiz, and Janet Mills, the third agreement, "Don't Make Assumptions," advises against believing things to be true without evidence. This practice can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and unnecessary suffering. By avoiding assumptions, individuals can foster clearer communication, manage their emotions more effectively, and live with greater personal freedom. If we don’t make assumptions, we can focus our attention on the truth, not on what we think is the truth. Then we see life as it is, not as we want to see it. For example, we could initiate by saying, "My name is [Your Name] and my pronouns are [Your Pronouns]," which often creates an opening for them to share their own. Gender is personal, so I would advocate for allowing people to tell us what they want us to know.

Another idea that comes to mind, rooted in Buddhist philosophy but echoed in other traditions, is that of non-attachment and equanimity. We can cultivate compassion and understanding: when we are less fixated on expectations, it becomes possible to be more open and empathetic toward others. Equanimity fosters healthy and compassionate relationships by allowing connection with others without being swayed by personal preferences or biases. The core idea is to avoid rigid labeling. For example, instead of "I’m a runner," we could say, "I am sometimes a runner." This acknowledges the dynamic and ever-changing nature of existence.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.