#shared values

I know a lot of people on "my team" disagree with me about this, but I really do think that there's a beautiful spark of humanity within everyone, even the people who it seems want me to die. And maybe I'll never connect with it in everyone, but it's important to me to at least look for it...

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It's interesting to me how often criticisms people have about "the other side" sound completely identical to each other...

(both thinking) "what an intolerant, miserable, brainwashed person!! If only they were open-minded like ME!"

Sadly, just like any demographic, butch women have good and bad personality traits. We are as susceptible to having flaws as anyone.

I am sorry your friends were not able to let you have your own ideas and thoughts and instead insisted you fall in step with them. Sometimes certain values are deal breakers and there is no point in pondering how you could have made them see your way.

I also tend to fall into the idea of thinking butches are somehow more honorable or more understanding than other groups because I have had so many wonderful butch role models and friends in my life. The fact is I have jusot been lucky. Your old friends could not bend enough to allow you your independant thoughts so it was time to let them go. They just made that decision for you. The effort and time you would have spent either hiding your feelings OR trying to make them see your views can now be refocused on finding new butch friends and growing better friendships with like minded women.

Friendships, even if strong and wonderful, can have expiration dates. Sometimes even good ones fade away as life changes you and circumstances shift. Think of your time with them as just coming to a natural end after it had run it's course. Take the good things you learned and experiences you enjoyed with them and go on to reform new relationships.

The experience of love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can be influenced by various factors. While the specific reasons why we love one another can vary from person to person, there are several common themes and explanations that contribute to the experience of love:

Emotional Connection: Love often arises from a deep emotional connection between individuals. This connection can be fostered through shared experiences, mutual understanding, empathy, and emotional intimacy.

Compatibility: Love can be fueled by a sense of compatibility and shared values, interests, and goals. When we find someone who aligns with our core beliefs and desires, it can create a strong bond and a sense of belonging.

Physical Attraction: Physical attraction can play a role in the experience of love. Our brains and bodies are wired to respond to certain physical characteristics, and attraction can be a catalyst for developing emotional connections.

Support and Care: Love often involves feelings of care, support, and nurturing. When we feel loved, we experience a sense of security, knowing that there is someone who will be there for us, provide emotional support, and help us navigate life's challenges.

Shared Values and Beliefs: Love can be strengthened by shared values, beliefs, and a sense of common purpose. When we find someone who shares our worldview and has similar aspirations, it can deepen the connection and foster a sense of unity.

Chemical and Biological Factors: Love is also influenced by chemical and biological factors. Hormones like oxytocin and dopamine play a role in creating feelings of attachment, pleasure, and bonding.

It's important to note that love is a subjective and individual experience, and the reasons why we love one another can vary greatly from person to person. Love is a deep and complex emotion that can be shaped by personal experiences, cultural influences, and individual preferences.

One thing I like from both of these snippets from SPN 9x06 & 15x07:

At their best, Dean and Cas both hold fast to the value of caring.

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From 9x06

NORA: Steve? (CASTIEL stops and turns to look at her.) The part of you that overreacted, that cares so much? That's what makes you special.

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From 15x07

LEE: Good or bad... the world doesn't care. No one cares, Dean.

Do you need hope right now?

My professor / rabbi-superhero, Rabbi Dr. Andrea Weiss is launching the second round of American Values Religious Voices letters. 

Over the first 100 days of the Biden/Harris administration, she has coordinated 100 short letters written by progressive religious scholars of nearly every faith tradition from around the United States to send the administration a letter grounded in our shared values and religious texts.

Each of the letters is only a little over a paragraph in length.

You can sign up to receive them at the link above.  Please reblog this message, and share the link with interested friends.

People described the last round of letters as inspirational, and the only thing that got them through really difficult days of the Trump administration.  It’s worth subscribing.