Layers

During my therapy session today, I reflected on my rebellious phase as a teenager. At the time, I knew I was pushing back against something, but I couldn’t clearly articulate what it was. With hindsight, it became clear that my resistance stemmed from being boxed into a single narrative, of being perceived as one-dimensional.

What frustrated me most was not being seen in my full complexity. I knew there was more beneath the surface, more perspectives, capabilities, and dimensions that went unrecognized.

Over time, I accepted that others may perceive us in certain ways, often based on context, roles, or their own frames of reference. More importantly, I came to recognize and accept my own layers. Not everyone will see them, acknowledge them, or even be open to them, that’s okay. There is a true strength in self-awareness. Knowing who we are does not require constant external validation.

This reflection made me think of the iN-Clue journey. A central element of the workshop is creating space to identify our own layers while also learning to see others beyond the surface, at a depth and pace each individual chooses to share. It’s a reminder that inclusion begins with awareness: of ourselves first, and then of others.

That was my reflection of the day.