A moment that changed the way I see the world was our REV Day 2023 when Chris Singleton came and spoke. It was specifically on his example of gun control and how - no matter which end of the spectrum you fall on that subject (I am not speaking one side or the other) - when you engage in conversations with someone who is passionate about something, knowing and understanding them and what got them there can remove so many barriers to our conversations. Just understanding where someone is coming from. It may be that we agree to disagree, but we've got to love each other through that.

His talk really opened my eyes to the impact of understanding where someone is coming from and walking a mile in their shoes. I kind of don't like the analogy of walking in someone's shoes because we can have similar experiences, but no one has had the same exact experience. I don't think we really ever have truly walked in someone's shoes... but if you open yourself up to at least appreciating their experiences, it might help us in the long run.

Just trying to be more aware and sympathetic, empathetic, to others - I guess not judging - not criticizing or condemning somebody until you know how they got to where they are.