I am Proud!

There are many things that I am proud of when it comes to humankind (and a lot that I am not, but that is an article for another day!), but none more than our growing acceptance of who people are, and allowing all to live an authentic life. When we accept each other for who we are, especially in childhood, we foster mental wellness and strengthen a sense of self, which translates into mentally-well adults, mentally-well families and mentally-well communities. Sounds great right?!

Now, can you imagine being overtly stigmatized and shamed for drinking coffee? You love coffee. Your drinking coffee doesn’t hurt anyone. In fact, it makes you a bit more pleasant and productive. But day in and day out, you are assaulted with hate and made verbally and/or physically to feel less and unaccepted for you just being you. You could be the most wonderful, successful human being on the planet but because you drink coffee, you are hated, shamed and demanded to conform to be accepted. And a lot of us do conform, because we all want to be accepted. It’s human nature. Then we don’t live an authentic life. We hide who we really are, and that translates into poor mental and general health for the individual, family and community.  As a result, we don’t thrive, we just survive, treading water until we cannot. 

I am so proud of those who embrace their authentic self, especially when it is incredibly difficult and sometimes a matter of life and death. I am proud of all the people who fight and advocate for equality for everyone. I am proud of those who speak out against hate, knowing they too can be targeted and hated. I am proud of all those who strive for a world where people are liked for who they are, and not for pretending what you want them to be.

I see you, I hear you and I am so very proud.

 

Becky Morrison is a Nurse Practitioner based out of Calgary who has specialized in mental health for over a decade. She is finally, after years of infertility, a mother of two busy little boys, and doting fur mom of her gentle giant, Stella. She is, and always will be, a strong advocate for mental wellness at all ages.