Two things can be true at the same time. In our current society of combativeness and confrontation, the whataboutisms run rampant, but don’t let that distract you from the facts. I’ve come to embrace this and find comfort in it when I think about it practically. See, it all stems from self-imposed guilt of thinking, “oh, but I didn’t think that before” or “but I used to feel differently.”

Simple Example: when I am driving in my South Jersey coastal community, my eyes are out the window scanning the horizon constantly with a smile on my face just taking in the beauty of the ocean, the humid haze, the wildlife in the bay. From a young age, I have loved the ocean and I’ve seen most of them (I’m skipping the Arctic!). Then I’ll start to feel guilty because I am proudly a PA Dutch Girl from Lancaster County, and farm girl was my label of choice for most of my life. Truly, the farms and fields filled with rows of nature’s bounty are mesmerizing to me, and the lush green fills me with such pride for my roots.

But two things can be true at the same time. I can love where I live now and be glad that I grew up where I did. I can feel happy about BOTH of those things. I am not betraying the country because now I live at the beach.

Another example that’s been ringing in my head/heart lately is my relationship to faire. The Renaissance Faire community has been a FAMILY for me since I was 16, and the lifelong friendships I’ve made are my most prized possessions. But it isn’t the same for me anymore. The things that I loved about it: vocal projection, dialect, history & culture, period appropriateness, improv and adapting that was eked out under the least favorable of circumstances but made brilliant, gritty ART was my inspiration. The improv-ed banter, thoughtful songs and parodies and unexpected collaborations was my lifeblood when I was a young girl looking for her place in the world. It isn’t that for me anymore, as the overall focus has shifted. Do you know what it IS? It IS a safe place that is still welcoming to all. The faire is a beautiful place that welcomes you regardless of your costume, gender identity or unusual hobbies because we are inclusive and accepting in a world that is constantly finding new ways to discriminate against anyone who is different.

Again: both of those things can be true at the same time. The faire was a pillar of my formative years and its reach continues long after I stopped performing that I do not enjoy the same way anymore. AND I can love it for what this place I love continues to provide to this next generation who needs their own safe space to evolve.

The country right now in 2025 is at a Tipping Point and unfortunately, I do not know which way it’s going to tip. What I do know is that “I’m right and therefore you must be wrong,” does not apply in every situation. We can BOTH be right. Black Lives Matter suddenly becomes All Lives Matter. No one is arguing that all lives matter, but it detracts from the purpose of the BLM Movement to get stuck in the semantics. It does not have to be one or the other.

I am far beyond the “let’s not talk about politics or religion so we can all just get along,” phase of my existence. I’m going to tell you about my thoughts on Inclusivity, Women’s Issues, opinions on dying and more that will surely be controversial. I have a lot of BIG thoughts since getting sick and I’ve wanted to write them down so many times, but I’m always worried about how people will perceive me. Guess what? After 10 months of staring down my mortality – I am officially over that fear.

I guess I am hoping that if we start with two things can be true at the same time that is neutral enough of a statement that it won’t cause any tempers to flair. Worry not, there’s more coming.

Today I am asking you to open your mind and your heart. Consider embracing complexity, holding space for multiple truths, honoring your past while living in your present, and shedding fear in order to speak boldly. All I have ever wanted to do is change the world, and I’m asking you to start by changing your perspective.