Jessica

“Anything that purports to be freedom but only belongs to a certain group or can only be attained by amassing power over other people isn’t freedom.”
― Ally Henny, I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You

“Perhaps, Black freedom requires us to live in the holy tension of “now and not yet.” In the “now,” we learn to love ourselves and one another so deeply that our presence with one another creates havens of respite where we can exhale. In the “not yet,” we continue seeking justice and refuse to shut up until we have attained the full measure of freedom that is our right and entitlement as citizens of a supposedly “free” nation. By embracing the “now and not yet” tension of our freedom, we acknowledge the vast amount of work that is left to do while also being gentle with ourselves and carving out sacred space for gratitude and joy in the midst of the struggle.”
― Ally Henny, I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You

“I am very tenderhearted and struggle with the idea of people being angry with or misunderstanding me. Setting boundaries is how I protect myself from being taken advantage of, apologizing for things that I don’t need to apologize for, or remaining in (or reentering) toxic spaces with people who care more about their own sense of dominance than healing. I will accept any genuine attempt toward reconciliation and healing, but the door becomes locked to anyone who feels the need to dump their feelings on me instead of approaching me like a human being. We don’t have to agree, but I refuse to be treated like an object.”
― Ally Henny, I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You

“All the things I want you to do? Figure out what you want in life. Find your own path. Make mistakes but actually learn from them. Leave behind what doesn’t bring you joy, what you’ve outgrown. I wasn’t doing any of it when I was married to your dad.” She was still circling the couch. “I thought I was staying in the marriage for you—so you didn’t have to go through your parents divorcing. But, in the end, I left it for you. Because how could I raise you to do all those things when I wasn’t doing them myself?”
― Meryl Wilsner, Mistakes Were Made