I am not angry, and I send you love.

I am not angry—not because I am not scared or affected.

Usually, I am angry when my expectations are not met, not because I am scared or affected.

People have expectations. I did too—especially of my mother. I expected her to be my protector and nurturer. When she failed to meet my expectations, I was angry. Very angry.

It took me time to recognize one of the greatest privileges of my life: the privilege of learning. Learning is not a privilege many have. Or perhaps they do have it, but in different degrees. Some have the privilege to study engineering, some medicine, some birds, or cooking, etc.

My personal learning journey was an extra privilege. I got to travel the world at a young age, learn another language, meet people with many different belief systems, and study yoga.

I don’t expect people to have the same privileges as I have or to have lived a life like mine. So I don’t expect them to share the same belief systems or values as I have. I feel very fortunate to have found a community where I am accepted as I am—flawed and ever-evolving. Because if you are not changing or evolving, that means you are also not growing.

So, I am not angry at those who hold belief systems different from mine.

And perhaps the best way to teach is by example. If I want to be understood, I have to at least try to understand the other side. If I want to teach compassion, I have to show that I, too, have compassion—regardless of our differences. May we foster love, compassion, and peace.

I send love to you—even if you don’t like me, even if you disagree with me, even if you want me gone. If you want to connect, I am here. And if you are afraid of leaving your community because it feels rigid rather than fluid, I am here.