Read With Me - Do Better by Rachel Ricketts

Photo of Rachel Rickett's book "Do Better"

ADHD has entered the chat.

My plans for what "Read With Me" would be sort of... didn't. It is what it is and I am who I am.

Instead of "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" (which I've read before and is excellent), I'm pulled towards "Do Better" by Rachel Ricketts. (you can get either of these at my bookshop if you'd like!)

I also don't think I'm going to be sticking to the structure I initially planned. See Above.

Instead, I'm going to react and share from where I am, whenever it hits me, as I feel so moved. Follow along if that speaks to you, or steer clear if you'd prefer. Whatever you choose is valid.

I just started this book. I'm not even technically on the numbered pages (it's page "xi") and I was struck by this statement:

Racism mires BI&PoC in emotional and physical violence, and, in order to perpetuate the oppression of others deemed "less than," it robs white folx of inner peace and meaningful connection to themselves and others.

WHEW. If that doesn't cut right through to the heart of the matter! That resonates with something deep within me and says: "This is important. Hear this. Honor it. Grapple with it."

What does it do to us - all of us - to buy into a system that believes that some people are more and others are less?

My immediate thought (and I'm anxious to see where this author takes this) is that it frames worth as a commodity that is bestowed through luck alone and can be lost without warning. Worth isn't a thing we all have under this framework. If you are born in the right way and follow the rules of the system, then you're allowed to possess it - but only if you don't break the rules or challenge the system.

It's a system based on the exploitation of an insecurity that it creates and reinforces.

This sends my brain into a whirlwind of questions and emotional reactions that are proving difficult to organize.

And that's ok for now. For now, I'll just allow the journey to have begun, and invite you to come alongside, whether to witness or to participate as you feel called.

Let's Do Better.

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