Recently, I was writing a letter to a friend on this very topic. We graduated from college last year, and are both experiencing growing pains of our own. It’s difficult navigating the passage of adolescence to adulthood. It’s the whole reason I took up quilting—to ease the transition. Then, it’s been even more problematic in our current climate. How do you find a job? Address racial inequality? Be an advocate? As the world changes, so do we. Yet, being the response of a normal human, comes the issue of resistance.

Now, let me be completely transparent. When I was writing this letter, it was actually in regard to my shifting opinion on relationships. However, there is a line in particular that has stood out to me in its relevancy: “I always thought of myself as a Jo…and here I am, taking the actions of a Meg. Yet, I’ve now come to realize it’s okay to be a little bit of both. It’s been a slow process, but I’m finally learning it’s okay to change.” The reference I’m making is to the characters of Little Women, however the main line of relevance is the last: it’s okay to change.

It seems we shy away from this concept because of what it entails—vulnerability. This is where I think we’re making a mistake. I understand there is a power in being right. Yet, there is even more power in admitting you’re wrong. If we simply viewed this as a positive, rather than a negative, we’d have a lot less problems on our plate. Don’t get me wrong, it’s something I’m still learning to embrace. So, take my advice with a grain of salt. However, if you’re willing, perhaps try to take the time to truly listen to the person you’re in a conversation with. You never know, you might just grow as a result. And that’s okay.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog belong solely to the Spokane Art School Artist-in-Residence, and not necessarily to the Spokane Art School.