BELONGING: How acceptance plays a role in feeling we belong

Chrissy opens today’s episode with a box breathing practice, then shares the definition of the word belonging, and invites us to consider the question: what role does acceptance play in creating a sense of belonging?

Stacey Chomiak also joins the conversation to discuss the challenges of feeling whole and accepted as a queer person of faith. Together, Chrissy and Stacey discuss finding a sense of belonging through art, Stacey’s queer-affirming children’s books, and creating space for understanding between religious and queer communities.

Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown.

And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:

• What role does acceptance play in creating a sense of belonging?
• How do your identities and background impact your sense of belonging in different environments?
• How can you be more welcoming and inclusive to others who feel like they don’t belong?

☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today

Transcript

[0:00] Music.
 
 [0:10] Hi, welcome to Stirred by Words, a podcast that uses the power of words to unlock your writing and wellness practices. I'm your host, Chrissy Holm, writer, editor, and wellness advocate.
 This show is about my love for words, writing, and wellness, and I'm passionate about learning from others. Grateful to have you join us.
 Today's meditation is inspired by this week's word, belonging.
 Let's start with the box breathing technique. Start by taking a deep breath through your nose for a count of four.
 One, two, three, four.
 
 [0:49] Music.
 
 [1:32] 1...2...3...4...hold your breath...2...3...4...exhale...2...3...4...and hold your breath again...2...3...4...
 
 [1:38] Music.
 
 [2:22] What does it feel like to be a part of a group or community that accepts you for who you are?
 What does it feel like to be surrounded by people who share your values?
 Notice how your body feels as you think about these things.
 
 [2:37] Music.
 
 [2:48] Or out of the box, so to speak.
 Imagine yourself reaching out to them with kindness and compassion and offering them a sense of belonging.
 Extend your gratitude to communities that make you feel like you belong.
 
 [3:02] Music.
 
 [3:20] And slowly open your eyes and carry the sense of connectedness throughout your day and know, you are part of a community that went through this meditation.
 
 [3:25] Music.
 
 [3:32] Now it's time for today's word, belonging. Merriam-Webster has a couple definitions for the noun belonging.
 The first one is possession, usually used in plural, such as belongings.
 And then the second is close or intimate relationship.
 
 [3:49] Here are a few fun facts about the word belonging. The first known use of the word was in 1781, but belong was first used in the 14th century.
 Alienation might be considered the opposite of belonging, which means a withdrawal or or separation of a person's or persons' affections from an object or a position of a former attachment.
 
 [4:12] Two example sentences include, I need to pack up my belongings and head north.
 And the Stirred by Words community gave me a sense of belonging.
 Other synonyms for belonging include acceptance, association, closeness, inclusion, and kinship.
 Today's question is, What role does acceptance play in creating a sense of belonging?
 I definitely think acceptance plays a big role in belonging.
 For example, when I feel accepted for who I am and all the layers of who I am, I'm more likely to feel like I belong to a group or a community.
 And I don't have to be exactly like the others, but I wanna feel a safe and welcoming environment where I can express myself without fear or judgment.
 If I don't feel accepted by a group or community, I feel excluded or disconnected and that I don't belong there.
 Again, it's not about having everything be similar. It's about open communication, respecting differences and listening to each other's perspectives so that we can feel valued and appreciated, which then leads to belonging.
 
 [5:20] Music.
 
 [5:32] Today's guest is Stacey Chomiak. Stacey uses she her pronouns and is an artist, author, and LGBTQ plus speaker. She designs art for the animation industry, but her passion is illustrating and writing kids books that represent the queer community. She lives happily nestled amid the tall trees of the Canadian West Coast. Stacey loves to dance with her two kids, paint anything that that inspires her and have conversations around faith and sexuality.
 I'm happy to have her join us today. Welcome, Stacey.
 Hi, Stacey, welcome to the show. Happy to have you. Oh, thanks so much for having me here.
 I'm so excited to have this chat today.
 Yes, me as well. So we'll just dive right in and we'll get us kicked off.
 So you're an artist, an author, an LGBTQ plus speaker among a lot of other things, I'm sure that can't fit into a bio, but since our word of this episode is belonging, what do you think about all the multifaceted layers of who you are and what does it mean to belong?
 
 [6:38] I love this question and I think it's a really tough one to answer in a short way, so I'll do my best, but it's something that I have been thinking about since you reached out and said that was gonna be the theme.
 And I honestly feel like even in my own life, as I kind of grow into the next version of myself, I'm always asking myself, like, how do I belong in my own body?
 How do I belong in my family, in my community, in my career?
 It's sort of something that's constantly changing and evolving.
 So I do think that that's how I answer that today is probably gonna be different than a year from now or like five years ago.
 You know, it's always a different answer. But I just feel like for me, when I feel like I'm aligned with the message that I'm putting out into the world or with the projects that I'm working on or with the things I'm speaking about, then I feel like I'm belonging within myself. And if I'm belonging within myself, then I feel like I can feel confident in what I'm going to be saying to other people or how I'm showing up. And that's really kind of the base of what I operate from. And I think it's a good lens to look from because if we aren't sure where we belong within ourselves and within our own lives, then it is going to be really scary to figure out in a larger sense how we belong, you know? And it's, yeah, it's a tough thing to answer for a lot of people. Absolutely. And how do you like kind of get to that sense of belonging? Like.
 
 [8:06] What is your process like in each of those those moments? Yes, I think for me, I mean, honestly, like lots of therapy, like I've years of therapy.
 
 [8:17] As a queer person, right, coming from the church, where there was just layers and layers of shame and guilt and questions and, and not having the tools or the ability or the courage to have self awareness or to trust yourself. And so to do that work, to be able to work through all those layers and say, how do I listen to myself and how do I trust that the messages that I'm saying to myself.
 
 [8:43] Are authentic and true and that I can trust those things? And if I can trust those things in my voice, then what does that look like for me to belong then with those messages? So it's really just so much inner work. That's how it works for me is like therapy and then obviously talking with trusted friends. Actual process for me is like journaling, getting out in nature. I do a lot of like processing out in nature and drawing, sketching things out. There's a lot of, you know, as an artist and an author, there's a lot of ways that I kind of work all these ideas out and kind of bring it back to that centre. Like, does this reflect how I feel today? Does this reflect my heart? Does this reflect what I want to say? And so it's a continual process with all of those things sort of interconnected. Absolutely. And kind of in that same vein of like thinking about art and writing and creating and you're obviously an amazing and very talented illustrator and artist. So kind of tell us a little bit more about how you got started in that and do you Do you think like art can really transcend that concept of belonging?
 Yes, absolutely.
 
 [9:54] I mean, I've always wanted to, I've always liked to draw. I remember in like kindergarten, the teacher asked like, what does everybody want to be?
 And I was like, I'm going to be an animator. I was like six or something. So specific.
 Yeah. So I just I've always wanted to draw and I've always loved to write, but it was sort of, a quiet dream that I didn't really ever share with people.
 I just did it for myself and I never really thought I was good at it.
 I just did it because I loved it.
 And art was something I sort of took a leap and was like, I love this, I struggle with whether or not I'm good enough, but I'm gonna, you know, really try.
 So, that's something that I always struggle with is that comparison, am I good enough, imposter syndrome that I think so many people struggle with all the time.
 How much of that comes from the church too? Oh, my word, exactly, exactly. Yeah, it's so much programming there.
 So, I've always just wanted to draw and express what's inside of myself, and I've always loved animation. So, I did work a little bit in graphic design, and then just thought like, I'm not getting any younger.
 I wanted to really try and see if I can work in this career that I've always loved. You get one life and you've got to try and shoot for your dreams, right? No one else is going to do that for you. So I was like, I'm going to go for it. I'm going to go back to school and get my degree.
 
 [11:11] And then, yeah, I've been working in children's animation since 2011 and just working in the design departments and painting backgrounds for the locations and designing characters and stuff, which is really fun. Yeah. And just, I mean, it's exciting to see my name in the credits and I force my kids to look, there's mommy's name. They don't care. They barely care, but it's exciting for me. Yeah, exactly. Like, okay, look, I painted that. But yeah, that it's exciting for me. Like the little kid in me is exciting. And then just like, I've gotten to books, like doing my book and just really loving kids’ books. And again, like books is such a beautiful way of expressing messages and having more representation for the queer community out there for kids. And so that my career sort of naturally kind of gone in that direction. So it's exciting to be able to put my efforts into something that I can actually write and draw.
 That's kind of my best kind of both of both worlds kind of thing.
 
 [12:11] Absolutely. And it's, I mean, the writing and the drawing is helpful to your healing and your own belonging, like you were just saying in that last question previously.
 Yeah, exactly. And exactly. That's a huge thing of, I do a lot of art. Like when I go on my bike, I see things that inspire me that probably no one would understand. I'm like, the rust on that barn is amazing. I have to paint it. Like, no one really would get that. But it excites me. And it's a way for me to continually sort of fuel myself because so much of my work is for other people or for big clients or for things that I don't always have passion about, or I don't always have the end say for. So I do it for other people. So the things that I do for myself to continue to be motivated and inspired is really key to remember like this is why I'm an artist is to express into the world what I see and to push myself. Absolutely. Yeah, that totally makes sense.
 And when I think about like art, how do you think it like connects? So for example, you're writing or illustrating for like children's books. How do you see children connecting to some of your illustrations.
 Well, a good example of one that we finished was Rainbow Boy. I kind of see it there in the sign.
 
 [13:26] I have a copy there, but it's too far to reach. That's a great example of like a little boy who just loves all things, like girl and boy, classically girl and boy things, like wears tutus and likes the color pink. And for my own kids who have two moms, already have a diverse family, but they're still inundated with heteronormativity in the world and on TV and in their shows. And even they need reminders like, yeah, it's okay to put nail polish on and to wear whatever you want, whatever color you want. And it's good for them to see that in books.
 And it's good for other kids to see that, that that is okay, that is actually celebrated and it's beautiful. And those are the kind of things, those are the kind of messages that I get excited about because it's you know it's a scarier and scarier world out there for LGBTQ people and if we if we kind of understand from really young that expressing yourself and being the truest version of yourself in the world is the most beautiful thing then that's that is the message that will kind of spread you know authentic love so I think kids books are a great way to do that.
 
 [14:35] Absolutely and you start it young when a lot of you know your formations of who you are as a person are formatting. I don't know if I said that right, but you know what I mean.
 Yeah, yeah, totally. Because I remember when I was really young and my mom would, you know, make dresses for me and I would have to have my hair certain poofy. And I remember feeling it didn't align with me then, but I didn't have the space to question it. It was just like, this is what a good Christian girl looks like. And so, I guess I have to look that way. And eventually, I guess I'll feel good about it. But I didn't even have the awareness to say, this actually doesn't feel good. Like maybe I want to wear pants or maybe I want to have shorter hair or it was just there was no space for that. So even just allowing kids and people to have the space to question what does feel good for me? How do I want to show up in the world? How do I express myself without judgment is that is such a huge gift in itself.
 
 [15:30] Absolutely. Oh, that hit me hard on so many levels. I get it. Yes.
 
 [15:36] Yes. So tell us a little bit more. You have your memoir still stays my gay Christian coming of age story. Tell the listeners just a little bit of what it's about. And then we'll dive into some more questions related to that. Yeah. As it says, it's my gay Christian coming-of-age story. So, that really summarizes it. It's sort of my experiences from roughly age like 16 till age 30 when like I came out and got married. So, growing up evangelical and being very, very a certain way, being very Black and white in what God thinks about homosexuality, being very Black and white in who I thought I was and who I thought I could be, and really not seeing, you know, being gay coming at all. Just it was total, a total surprise to me. And so it's sort of just, I guess, it just sort of illustrates my, literally illustrates my journey of like having very, you know, closeted relationships and struggling with my sexuality and where does God fit in with this and all the shame and going through like ex-gay therapy and then just reconciling with these two identities that really I was was taught are polar opposites, and what happens when we look at it from a different lens, look at it from a lens of celebration, and that it's actually God-ordained and God-created.
 
 [17:02] That's a completely revolutionary idea that I never was allowed for so many years to let myself feel and believe and trust.
 And so, you know, once that happened, you know, my whole life changed for the better.
 But it was, you know, about 13 years to get to that point. So the book mostly covers the 13 years of that journey.
 Yeah, absolutely. It definitely takes time to kind of unlearn some of those things and, like you said, keep space for you to think differently and accept it too. Yeah. And it's just, I mean, it's just so scary.
 A lot of people don't.
 
 [17:39] Understand, especially like evangelical or a lot of different faiths, it's very black and white. And, at least for me, like that belief of like, you are going to go to hell if you are gay, like that kind of black and white statement is terrifying for someone who's figuring out who they are in the world. Who wants to go to hell? First of all, I don't know what I think about hell at this point, but you know, there's just, there's really scary, terrifying concepts in there. And all you want to do like everybody else is be seen for who you are, be loved for who you are and show up that way. And it's so scary when you really feel like you can't exist.
 
 [18:13] And be whole in that way. And so, for me, being a perfectionist, being a people pleaser, wanting to only – yes, you get it!
 Yes, I get it. Yes, to just make a difference and do good and then realize that, oh, maybe my existence is actually angering God. I mean, that's such a difficult thing to get over and so much unlearning.
 And especially if you're closeted, because you don't, like, there were no resources like my book when I was looking. There was no such thing as a gay Christian that I knew of. There was nobody for me to look up to and say, oh, that person exists, and they feel like they're flourishing in the world. That's why, that's exactly why I wanted to do the book, was to have an example for people to say, I can be this way. I can show up and embrace both worlds.
 Absolutely, kind of belong to both communities, essentially.
 Yeah, exactly. You don't have to actually choose. You can choose yourself, and yourself might have a foot in each community, and that's actually a beautiful thing.
 Absolutely. And how do you think that we can really create that space for understanding between religious and LGBTQ plus communities?
 
 [19:25] Mm-hmm. This is where my work is ongoing, right? This is the ongoing question.
 And since coming out in 2010, and especially since doing a lot of the actual speaking in books and stuff that I do, the most feedback that I get from people is that they are just kind of surprised once they get to know actual queer people.
 Because for so many people in the church, being gay is a concept.
 And it's often a concept that's wrapped in fear.
 And ignorance and them, like the other. It's othering that idea. But once you get to know people as people and understand and see them in front of you and see all the different facets of who they are and their stories and how they got there and see how they show up in the world, it's really difficult then to have those same feelings about a concept that you do for a person.
 
 [20:18] And so I sort of operate from that perspective. I just, I share my story wherever I go and try to be gentle with it, try to be open with it, and not come from a place of like argumentative states, just be open, because I think we need more gentle spaces to talk about these hard things. And then people feel like, you know, vulnerability breeds vulnerability. And if.
 
 [20:43] We feel like, okay, I have questions, I don't know what to feel about this, but let's talk about it. It really can open up a lot of doors that have been locked for a long time. And I feel like people just want a space to have conversations and to ask hard questions, and I know since my book has come out, a lot of queer people have reached out to me, and the biggest thing that they've said is, I can finally talk about my faith.
 Like, can I talk to you about my faith? Because I'm not allowed to talk about my faith in so many queer spaces.
 And because it is scary, there's a very polarizing thing that the queer community is rightfully so very angry at a lot of faith communities, and a lot of faith communities are still very like, no, we can't do the gay thing. So to have a space where you can engage with both in a thoughtful, intentional, authentic way is so important in today's world. So that's what I hope to do.
 That's what I'm always striving to do is just create really intentional, safe spaces for people to talk and show up. And I think that in itself is really healing. Absolutely. Yeah, I think you're right like creating that space and it got me thinking a lot too about like when you're talking about like right and wrong and I feel like a lot of times people are so afraid to ask certain questions because.
 
 [22:01] They're gonna ask it wrong or you know. Yes it's true or people on the journey you know there's people who are like okay I'm not affirming and then there's people who are affirming and people who are on that journey of figuring out how does this work how does God see homosexuality how How do you see God?
 I mean, people are scared to ask questions in that middle ground, and I think that's a really beautiful place to come alongside people and say, hey, it's okay.
 It took me 13 years to be okay with myself. And so, I understand for other people, they're on their own journey of understanding what this even is, if that's not your identity.
 So, that's really important. We don't have to expect that people are at a certain destination, but we're all figuring out what to do with this.
 And just to have space for that.
 And that takes a lot of skills to do, but again, just such an important thing in today's world.
 Absolutely. And I think too, that makes me wonder, what advice would you give to maybe somebody who is queer or maybe questioning, how do they kind of get to that space where, I mean, it's okay if they don't wanna talk about it, that's fine, but when they're ready to talk about that, middle ground, like you're saying. What advice would you give?
 Yes, I think the most important thing in that case is to really, like, always check in with yourself.
 
 [23:27] And make sure that you're never putting yourself in a space that doesn't feel safe, and that you're not talking about stuff that feels, like, too much for you or too soon for you.
 I know that people in my journey, like, forced me to come out too soon, that, you know, the whole, you have to talk to the pastor thing, and I remember just feeling like, I feel like I was betraying my body, because I wasn't ready to have that conversation, but I was like, well, this is what God wants me to do, and I'm being forced to do it.
 But it did a lot of damage, because when you're not ready authentically for something.
 
 [24:00] It's really difficult, it shouldn't be happening.
 And then also, I was doing it in an unsafe space, because the message that I then got was like, this is wrong, here's why it's wrong, here's what you have to do, go to exegete therapy.
 So then I was, you know, adding trauma on trauma. So, I would say, make sure that within your own body, within your own self, that you're fostering a sense of ownership and beauty and acceptance, so that you can operate from that.
 And then find even one or two really safe people that you can start having conversations like, I'm wrestling with this, or I'm not sure about this, and see how that feels to have some conversations in a really small circle where it is safe and sacred.
 It is up to you. You can decide not to have conversations, you can decide when to have conversations and what they look like, and you can also decide to walk away from conversations.
 And I think that's a really important thing to remember.
 Absolutely. You have choice. You can choose. Yeah. Yeah. Don't put yourself in an unsafe situation and just like, remember like how beautiful you are in every part of that process.
 That's fantastic and beautiful. So a little bit more on those lines. So based on your experience, how do you think we can create more of those inclusive communities, both religious communities, even artistic spaces, queer communities? Yeah, I think it's happening more and more, I feel like.
 
 [25:29] At least in the spaces that I'm living in. I live in a fairly conservative-leaning city in Canada that's more, it's more along the Bible Belt of BC. And, you know, going towards Vancouver is more progressive and I'm definitely not close, not too close to that. So it's been surprising for me to see the queer community kind of stand up and, and have like influence on the rest of the community. And it's still, it's still difficult too, I think in some ways, because as a queer person, especially coming from the church and coming from that perspective, it is always scary to put yourself out there because while the world is changing, there's still always going to be people who don't want it to change.
 
 [26:11] And who are going to really be loud about their hate and loud about what they think of you.
 And so it's sort of, again, I ask myself, how can I be changing that? How can I be creating a space in my art, in my conversations, in my friendships, in my family, to have a space that welcomes all of that and allows it to just exist and to sort of remind people like this is what we need to be focusing on is like the beautiful acceptance and that diversity and just being able to like, you know, foster that. And so for me it is just about like doing that in my immediate circle and in my work and then you know just being available if there's you know people who reach out or, events that are happening that I can show up to or yeah just being open to see what doors open right and I think everybody could show up in their life and you'd be surprised at what doors you know, do open once you're ready for that and willing, you know.
 
 [27:10] Definitely and I think too like you are saying I mean there's different layers going back to those layers of you like someone's gonna connect with a different part of you and even if it's not, who they are they are still connecting in a way like they're understanding almost like a window into your life. Yeah for sure and I think that's why story is so important for all of us because we can all connect with something in each other because we all know what it's like to be human. We all know what it's like to not be seen or to feel lonely or to question, you know, ourselves and not feel good enough. That's like a fundamental human experience. And so, to just have somebody say, like, you might not be queer, you might not have a church background, but this is what it feels like and this is, it's going to be okay. And, you know, you have someone to talk to, like, just showing up for each other in this world and what does that look like in a practical way. And for me, that is part of my, like, I guess, to use a Christian word, part of of my ministry, I guess, is that I'm always like, you know, I stand by what I say.
 I say to people, if you need someone to talk to, reach out. And I always respond, because I think that's just so important, because I needed that.
 And so, I always said to myself, if I can ever be a person that would give back in that way, that I would be, I wouldn't just say that I would be, I would be.
 And going for walks with people or jumping on a Zoom call and just like having a conversation.
 And, you know, I think everybody has that space in their life if they can.
 
 [28:37] For sure. And it can make a big difference just to be there to listen.
 Yeah. Yeah. The whole active listening thing is that, again, another skill that's really important in this day and age. For sure. Well, I mean, I know we could keep going and going but I know we're getting towards the end of our conversation and this is the part of the episode where I ask each of my guests to share a piece or reflection related to the word and of course our word is belonging. I almost forgot. So Stacey has a small story that she's going to share with us followed by a blessing that she wrote for queer people of faith and I'm really excited to hear both. So without further ado Stacey feel free to give us a little bit more detail and feel free to read on awesome well thank you i i love this prompt i've done a lot of podcasts and i haven't actually been given this invitation to to write something so i'm going to share um something that i wrote that i i shared recently and then yeah i'll follow it by a blessing so i was out cycling this week something i try to do as much as possible getting out onto the quiet trails near my house in Chilliwack, it's a renewing reprieve for my body and soul.
 
 [29:51] I stopped halfway for some water and I paused my music and just stared at the mountains in front of me. As I took a deep breath, I heard a flock of birds fly overhead. A few seconds later, another flock flew over my head to the left. Then a few seconds after that, A third flock flew over to my right.
 
 [30:10] In that moment, I felt totally at peace and that I belonged there, and then I realized why.
 
 [30:18] In nature, I have the freedom to show up and just exist, just fully be. Like the birds, the trees, the mountains, they are fully and completely existing as they are, and it's beautiful. For many queer people, especially many queer people in the church, that is just not possible to simply show up and exist as you are is a luxury and for many an impossible dream, don't we all yearn for places where we belong where we feel safe where we can fully be, where perhaps a community might even see that as beautiful so.
 
 [30:59] It's true it's so true yeah so i will yes so now i will go into the blessing that i wrote for lgbtq people of faith my magnificent wondrous creative effusive queer friends of faith may you feel thoroughly and perfectly loved as you are in this moment, may you feel that love resting solidly in your soul taking root in each step you take spreading like glorious light in each word you speak. May the quiet dreams that you cannot speak, find a place of solace and rest. May the loud dreams that you cannot contain take flight with intensity and passion. May the pain that you have endured become the salve for someone else's wounds.
 May the hope you see in the distance begin to flood into all your dark spaces like the warm morning sun. May you never ever give up on what is meant for you in this life, because there is oh so much meant for you. Be beautifully queer, be full of faith, be holy beloved, be you. That was so beautiful.
 
 [32:18] Thank you. It's my, yeah, my pleasure to share and just have like share some beautiful space with you. Yeah, it's been great, Stacey. Thank you so much for your time, your energy, and for talking today about belonging, your work, and still Stace. Yeah, my pleasure. Thank you so much.
 
 [32:36] Music.
 
 [32:48] Today's book recommendation is Braving the Wilderness, The Quest for True Belonging, and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown.
 Social scientist Brene Brown, PhD, MSW, has sparked a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives—experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy.
 In Braving the Wilderness, Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization. With her trademark mix of research, storytelling, and honesty, Brown will again change the cultural conversation while mapping a clear path to true belonging.
 Brown argues that we're experiencing a spiritual crisis of disconnection and introduces four practices of true belonging that challenge everything we believe about ourselves and each other. She writes.
 
 [33:37] True belonging requires us to believe in and belong to ourselves so fully that we can find sacredness both in being part of something and in standing alone when necessary. But in a culture that's rife with perfectionism and pleasing and the erosion of civility, it is easy to stay quiet, hide in our ideologic bunkers, or fit in rather than show up as our true selves and brave the wilderness of uncertainty and criticism. But true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others. It is a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity.
 
 [34:10] It is a personal commitment that we carry in our hearts. Brown offers us the clarity and courage we need to find our way back to ourselves and to each other, and the path that cuts right through the wilderness. Brown writes, the wilderness is an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared, but it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it's the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand. Before we wrap up the episode, I encourage you to grab a pen and paper, notebook, or phone to write down your answers to these questions. What role does acceptance play in creating a sense of belonging? How do your identities and background impact your sense of belonging in different environments? How can you be more inclusive and welcoming to others who may feel like they don't belong? Feel free to pause the episode or come back to these questions later.
 
 [35:08] If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for a future episode, or if you, or someone you know wants to be a guest on the show, contact me via my website at, www.chrissyholm.com. That's C-H-R-I-S-S-Y-H-O-L-M.
 Thanks for listening to another episode of Stirred by Words, meditations, and conversations about writing and wellness. This has been your host Chrissy Holm. Tune in to future podcast episodes and until next time, Keep learning new words, stay healthy, and stay curious.
 
 [35:47] Music.