I’ve changed my opinions many times over the years. About people. About decisions. About what I thought was true at the time. If that makes me inconsistent, so be it. I’ll take evolving over pretending I’ve always been right.
But my values? Those have hardly moved. They weren’t picked up casually, and they don’t get dropped easily. My life is still very much centered on respect for others, integrity, family, lifelong learning, community, and empathy.
What I’ve noticed: it’s not hard to hold onto your opinions. What’s hard is letting go of them when they no longer make sense, without losing the things that actually define you.
It’s easy to confuse flexibility with softness. But knowing what to question and what to protect isn’t weakness. It’s judgment. And it takes more of that than most people admit.
I try to stay open without drifting. To rethink without unraveling. It’s a fine line, but it’s worth walking.
It’s not always obvious which is needed in the moment. And that’s the question worth asking. Repeatedly. Quietly. Honestly.
Kind regards,