Invite & Ignite

Inclusion is not an illusion.

Do you know what it's like to feel alone in a crowded room?

Do you know the hurt when there isn't a seat at the table for you?

Do you know the pain when you're not a part of the jokes, the laughs or the conversations?

Do you know what feeling like a burden is?

Do you know the heartache when you don't get the same "I'm so excited to see you " greeting?

Do you know what being "left out" is?

Let me tell you, it's anxiety, sadness, mediocracy, insecurities, self judgement, pity, ridicule and negative thoughts of despair.

It's feeling inadequate and undesirable.

It's feeling shameful and wrong.

It's feeling unworthy and unappreciated.

It's feeling alone and totally misunderstood.

It's feeling worthless - and it's feeling a feel sting.

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Why the fuck do we think this is okay?

Do people realize how much this impacts others for all their years to come?

Feelings of this familiar loneliness and dis-inclusion can haunt people from childhood through adulthood.

Connection is what we all desire and love is a universal language. Yet here we are, (un)intentionally excluding others and making them feel like they aren't worthy of the same time, connection, conversations, memories and meals together. Yet, here we are, behaving like we are better than others and making them feel as if they don't fit in.

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Acting this way won't get you anywhere.

Excluding people doesn't make you the popular group, the nice girls or the desirable ones. It makes other people feel hurt and betrayed. It makes them feel useless and helpless. And truthfully - it makes them feel inadequate and unlovable.

Before you go and sit down with your friends, ask someone else if they would like to join. Introduce yourself, make conversation and lend out a hand. No one knows anyone, until someone knows someone.

Sincerely,

The girl left out.

Xo

Dee