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Spirit Day 10 20 2010

Whether we're gay teens or just workers who feel hassled, domination destroys and has little up side.

When we feel we're right and someone else is wrong, conversation and kindness are more powerful than whipping someone else into submission. Afterall, human behavior is driven by more complex forces than usually meet the eye. There is often a whole world beyond the simplest act.

We can use a little more compassion between Republicans and Democrats, Type A's and the rest of us, gays and straights (and all those inbetween), Whites and Blacks (and the rainbow ethnicities that have since become crucial to our world). We can use more listening, and less dogma.

Start in the little ways. Notice someone who's been unheard in meetings and find time to get their opinion. The quiet among us have some of the most brilliant ideas, pressed into diamonds because they've taken on the pressure of all that is input around them.

Be a mentor to an LGBT kid in your neighborhood. GLSEN's setting some of that up, or volunteer for the Trevor Project. You'll gain so much more than the strength you'll give. You'll learn about your own courage and celebrate your life more. Septuagenarians say you'll live longer. What do I know, I'm still 41. It's going beyond our little egos that makes us healthier community members and in turn more effective at work.

So give a little of yourself, let a little of your ideas float in silence. Work and live well.

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