Monday morning real talk: A reminder that how people treat you according to where they *think* you rank in proximity to power reveals more about them than it does about you. If you are young, female and brown, people will try to talk to you like you’re dumb. They’ll think you need their advice. They will talk over you, dismiss you, put you down and attempt to make you the butt of their jokes. Just observe it. These power plays reveal more about another persons pain, insecurity, misogyny (yes women too), racism, unexamined biases and baggage than it ever does about you. When I was younger, not understanding this made me edgy and angry. I put on a hard face and walked around with a serious chip on my shoulder. I almost started to believe I wasn’t worthy of respect because I was a small, brown, and a woman. Then a lot of things happened, including a global pandemic, a resurgence of the feminist movement and a racial reckoning. People were talking about their experiences and I realized it was never about me personally. I was not alone. I woke up. I’ve since led companies, productions, movements and households. I discovered I am capable beyond measure. It doesn’t matter if there are others living in an old paradigm who disrespect you because you’re not old, male and white. Stay light. Stay joyful. Lead with your heart, because that is your superpower. You don’t need to be hard to prove your worth. That energy will weigh you down. You don’t need to change a thing to deserve respect. Keep that vibe high and just observe. Do what you do and then let your accomplishments reveal who you are and speak for you. You are worthy of love and respect regardless of what others do. What matters most is that you love and respect Yourself. The world will catch up. Love, Dianica