I've been thinking a lot about what to bring you for this last episode of 2023, and what felt most honest was a tiny reflection of my own and an invitation for you to consider your waiting as well.

As I reflect on the past year, specifically the past five episodes of this season, I realize that there seems to be an underlying tone of waiting in every conversation around shame. Waiting while grieving, learning to stay while we work on believing new stories about ourselves, being patient as we learn and change, knowing to wait for our voice to be heard, and learning to redirect judgment while remaining.

So here are some personal thoughts from my own place of navigating shame and the current waiting I find myself in. As we go into a new year, I can foresee many exciting and challenging changes, for now, I am just learning to wait.

“I come to the work of living and leading relationally with the lived experience of moving through life in the U.S. as an autistic, multi-racial and sometimes white-presenting “other” with many other intersecting privileges and marginalized identities. I bring relentless compassion, an unusual perspective, and an eclectic variety of tools to the conversation of expanding our lives and our leadership beyond personal growth and into relational development.”

I think it speaks for itself on why I was so excited to extend the invite to share this space with James oliva and why I am so grateful to share no be able to share this conversation with you. As we move into this holiday season and a new year I cant think of anything we need more than relentless compassion.

When it comes to this ongoing conversation on the impacts of shame James-olivia provides a really powerful perspective on the inter-workings of judgment and some alternative questions to consider. ⁠Learn more here

Have you ever questioned if your story, your voice, your experience really matters in this world?

Desirée shares so openly as a reminder that every voice has power, and purpose, and though finding that isn’t easy, it is so important. This episode is an invitation to hear the story of an incredible musician who is learning how to use their voice through the music and continue when the music is turned down.

Desirée said it so well, this is a conversation for those who are looking to hold more compassionate space for one another and self. I really can not think of anything our world needs more of right now.

Check out more of Desirée story & additional resources here..