Up until recently, I had little care for “political correctness”. I have long held the belief that being “politically correct” was indicative of weakness. However through my self reflection, with the backdrop of the human condition, it has become clear that while the human condition is universal, how each individual processes it is unique. In that very moment it dawned on me that politically correctness is not weakness but empathy in practice: An effort to reach someone with without offending them through ignorance. Because the human reality is, the very minute you offend someone you invite pull back, tension that can sever the line of communication, obfuscate belonging—Progress delayed because of petty. Does this mean backing away from difficult topics or not being honest and open in discussions? No. It means approaching it in a way that others can digest and understand. At the end of the day, if what is being communicated is not understood, it undermines all efforts and benefits none; dialogue dissipate leaving behind meaningless diatribe dregs.
I have found new depths to the adage hard times build character not because of the struggle, but because uncomfortable situations force one to look in the mirror, to examine one's self. It is, in my opinion, necessary to look oneself in the mirror not once, but often—to ensure we are indeed becoming the person who we desire to become. In dark moments of struggle, self-examination, contemplation, and meditation, thoughts found the dirt, seeds of emotion were transplanted. The weight of reality sunk me into a hole of peace. The water from the pipes busted by pressure watered my dehydrated roots, sprouting new perspective… this prompted action, mostly writing, that lead me face to face with the mirror again. This time I saw more than my reflection, I realized I was not accountable to me, not practicing what I "preach"—Growth was wild and uncontrolled. I saw wilts that required discipline for healing. I realized the richness in living to be had from true self understanding and empathy in communication.
This is my hard times outcome. Yours may well be different, but it will start with self-examination—the mile markers along life’s marathon, the universal prescription for the human condition.