"The world will not stop if I make a mistake," said Audre Lorde following these sentences. Lorde's words are a reflection of her life as she is about to leave the hospital after her mastectomy.
How many times have we paused, hesitated, self-corrected because we're afraid we're wrong? Or we're afraid that our words will be misunderstood? Or our meaning misconstrued? Or that we will overstep? Or that we don't have the authority, expertise or experience to talk about something.
I do it all the time. For example:
who am I to talk about the effects of capitalism on our relationships with each other if I haven't ever taken a class in economics?
And even if I can get over that, what if I'm wrong about it?
Or if I can get over both of those concerns, what if I offend you?
Or if I can get over that, what if I harm you in some way with my words?
It's a wonder we say anything at all.
Here's how I've started to reconcile this within me:
Speaking my pieces, saying what is necessary and what feels important, is a yes/and. YES, I must do it AND, it won't ever be perfect. Because I am not perfect.
But I can try again. I can also change the words if I learn something that better informs my view. I can also listen more. And ask better questions. I can apologize if I hurt you. But what I can't do is nothing. I must write, then speak. Otherwise I will lose my mind and there's too much precious in this world for me to risk that.
The world will not stop if you make a mistake either.