Wherein I step outside my comfort zone

And embrace who I really am

I just got back from the first thing I’ve ever really indulged in that was good for my brain health: the American Humanist Association’s 82nd Annual Conference (and my first annual conference). When I announced that I was flying to attend a humanist conference, a few of you asked what a humanist is.

Never fear. I got video interviews with three humanists who answered that question! I’ll edit for clarity and post here in the next couple of days. What happened during the conference surprised me. I am a serious introvert. I do not generally open up to other humans. I’m guarded, jaded, and stoic.

Yet, I managed to step outside my usual paradigms during the conference. To the point that I think I made a few long-term connections that I hope will be something I have a hard time making: friends. I have a hard time trusting, but I found that some of the humanists I met earned my trust almost instantly.

That’s a big deal.

Above, meet Sarah, a trans woman I interviewed during the conference. Sarah and I both lived in the same central Florida county (at different times). I will post my interview with her and explore our separate but similar journeys.

I’ve been on this planet for 52 years and have always felt like I belonged on another planet. That was different when I stepped outside my comfort zone and went to see if I had a tribe. I do.

Humanists, by and large, are my tribe.

I want to matter in ways that grow me and others, and now I know I am not alone. We are all human, and we should value that and make it sacred.