I don't believe a person's importance comes from how much attention they receive. I believe it comes from what they do with the opportunities, abilities, and influence they are lucky enough to get, earn, or are given.
I believe people have a responsibility to think for themselves, develop their abilities, take ownership of their actions, and use whatever influence they possess to make the world around them a little better. I value competence over credentials, substance over appearances, fairness over favoritism, and meaningful action over public displays of virtue. I believe individual choices matter, that opportunity should be expanded rather than merely promised, and that nobody should underestimate the influence one person can have on another.
I believe people should take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and consequences. That includes me.
I don't expect perfection. I expect people to be attentive, aware, and hear the message, acknowledge mistakes, correct them, and learn something. What frustrates me is dishonesty, excuse-making, and people refusing to own their behavior.
I respect people who know what they're doing, and the effect they have, particularly those who have put in the work to develop genuine expertise.
Titles, popularity, credentials, and authority don't automatically impress me. I want to know whether someone can actually deliver.
I also take considerable pride in my own competence. Sometimes that makes me impatient when others underestimate what I know or fail to recognize experience that doesn't fit neatly into their conventional categories.
I believe everyone deserves a fair opportunity, dignity, and a fair assessment. (Let's not mix that up with lazy-bones and rich kids getting the buy-in to success. Everyone who is earnestly trying deserves the opportunity ... with rare exception).
But, I distinguish between providing an opportunity and guaranteeing an outcome. I value preparation, effort, ability, and individual responsibility. And learning adaptability when needed.
I don't just believe people deserve opportunities. I've actively helped people develop the ability and confidence to pursue them. Which didn't always come with a net-positive to me, often putting me further behind in my own aspirations.
I don't like being told what to think, and I don't particularly like people accepting conclusions simply because they're fashionable, popular, or delivered by someone influential. So Many arguements are "proven" by biased "evidence". That is a real fly in my honey.
My recurring question—Why?—isn't merely a branding device for Digital Downlow.
It reflects how I approach the world. (Very on-brand neuro divergent of me)
I want to understand the mechanisms behind behavior, decisions, institutions, and beliefs. I'm willing to challenge assumptions, including my own, although. Seeing signals and patterns quickly, I sometimes see the conclusion and walk it backwards to test my theory.
I have a strong aversion to performative behavior.
This explains my discomfort with photographing volunteer work, my dislike of manufactured inspirational messaging, and my insistence that my media presence actually sound like me.
I don't want to appear virtuous. I want my actions to mean something. I want who I am reflected in the core of what I do. Even if I mess up or miss the mark.
There's a distinction, though: being seen doing something worthwhile doesn't automatically make it performative. Sometimes documenting an effort helps other people participate.
I've noticed there's a recurring pattern in the things that provoke me into action.
Women being lambasted by patriarchal norms and there not being change or justice. Animal mistreatment. People being exploited. Individuals being underestimated or excluded* (I do have my nay-nays, however). Authority being exercised irresponsibly.
I'm particularly responsive when someone or something vulnerable is placed at the mercy of another person's carelessness or indifference. Or worse, intentional malice.
And I'm willing to confront people over it, even when doing so creates conflict. Peace is often achieved through convincing discourse, learning and logic. The other 20%, well, sometimes you have to talk to people in the way they can understand. (Take that how you'd like.)
I value having control over my own direction. Nothing peeves me more than someone intentionally using me or stealing credit or work.
My career changes, entrepreneurial ventures, racing, motorcycles, and creative projects all suggest that I don't particularly enjoy being confined to someone else's definition of what I should be. (singsong: "I'm every woman...")
I value that independence in other people. And moreover, I value those who see someone who is really trying, and helps them even if they aren't aware of it. In professional avenues... making a connection for them. Or finding a resource. In relationships, looking for ways to ease the burden and make being with someone the best experience for both people.
I want people to discover what they're capable of, rather than simply accept the limitations placed on them.
This is probably the value most relevant to The Importance of YOU.
I've described helping people in ways that didn't produce photographs, awards, publicity, or professional advantages.
But I wouldn't go so far as to say recognition means nothing to me. It clearly matters when my abilities, contributions, or experience are overlooked. Effort should be rewarded. The employee should receive the raises and promotions. The person helping others achieve should be lifted as equally by all those who received a lift themselves. That is very much NOT the process in our world. Too many aren't grateful, too many take and keep moving. Stepping on the shoulders of someone else trying just as hard isn't seen as a bad thing.
Help has value. Receiving it does not mean you've earned it ahead of time. Reciprocity is how you earn (retroactively) what someone else invested in you. And you earn good Karma proactively engaging in other's successes and peace.