The way you write just makes me want to highlight half the page, haha. Arwyn, I am SO ENTHUSED to see you doing this 100-day challenge of fearless communication!!!!!!!!!!

If I were to do a several-month-long challenge, it might be around something similar. I was inspired by Jia Jiang who did 100 days of rejection, where each day he made a different bold ask of someone that could easily get turned down. The only thing I wanted to do differently from him is that I wanted my challenge to be centered around a specific goal of mine—other than simply overcoming fear of rejection. The dares I select day by day would be more than just random courage-building fun, but all pertain to...

- reading things that challenge my animal rights perspectives, to end up a stronger activistr?

- bringing up tough topics or truths during group or 1-on-1 interactions, to wind up with a more passionate and congruent social life?

- attending regular debate clubs or discussion groups until I become much more comfortable with disagreement?

To be continued...

Loved your take on the empath phenomenon. Maybe we should just rename ourselves Homo empatheticus if so many of us are that invested in the identity. XD I'm sorry about the abuse you experienced from that family member. I'm really glad for the kind of person and writer who you are today!