In The Mirror | Part Three
- John-Michael Scurio
- Jul 20
- 6 min read
Humans are creatures of habit, and our comfort zones provide us with a sense of security. Stepping outside these familiar boundaries can be intimidating, leading to fear of the unknown and resistance to change.
But change is an inevitable part of life, and my blog series IN THE MIRROR presents us all with different opportunities for personal, introspective growth.
Our beliefs about ourselves and our abilities can influence our willingness to embrace change. A negative self-perception might lead us to doubt our capacity for success. We are all guilty of getting stuck in thinking patterns and ways of thinking.
Societal expectations, cultural norms, family and peer influence can create pressures to conform, making it difficult to pursue personal aspirations.
IN THE MIRROR brings valuable resources to YOU. Each of these resources are outlined in the following list. In Part One, I covered (IN) and in Part Two (THE.) This blog-post is part three and it will provide information about (MIR) and the fourth and final blog-post in this series will cover (ROR.)
I - Involve
N - Notice
T - Think
H - Hear
E - Engage
M - Move
I - Inspire
R - Reflect
R - Read
O - Observe
R - Reevaluate
M - Move
Moving forward and taking action is essential in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). However, it's crucial to recognize that meaningful and sustainable action requires a strong foundation of self-education, self-reflection, and collaboration with others from diverse backgrounds. Rushing into action without these elements can inadvertently perpetuate existing power and privilege dynamics. Here's a list of 10 actions that you may choose to consider:
1 Educate Yourself on DEI Topics
Well, if you've made it this far in the blog-series, you're well on your way in this regard. In Part Four we talk about the importance of reading books, articles, and watching documentaries and other clips that explore various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Understanding the historical and contemporary contexts of social injustices is crucial to informed action.
2 Engage in Self-Reflection (see below)
Examine your own biases, privileges, and assumptions. Honest self-reflection helps uncover unconscious biases and fosters empathy towards others' experiences.
3 Listen and Amplify Marginalized Voices
Create space for underrepresented voices to be heard. Listen actively to the experiences and perspectives of individuals from different backgrounds. Use your platform to amplify their stories and advocate for their inclusion.
4 Build Multiracial Coalitions
Collaborate with individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Forming inclusive coalitions enables collective action and ensures that decisions are informed by a variety of perspectives.
5 Support Minority-Owned Businesses
Contribute to economic empowerment by supporting businesses owned by people from marginalized communities. This support can create more equitable economic opportunities and help reduce wealth disparities.
6 Advocate for DEI in the Workplace
Encourage your employer to implement DEI initiatives, such as diversity training, equal pay policies, and inclusive hiring practices. Workplace diversity benefits everyone and fosters a more creative and productive environment.
7 Challenge Discrimination and Microaggressions
Speak up when witnessing discriminatory behavior or microaggressions. Advocate for fairness and inclusion, whether it's in public spaces, workplaces, or social settings.
8 Support DEI-Oriented Organizations
Contribute your time, skills, or resources to organizations dedicated to promoting DEI. Volunteering or donating to such organizations can aid their efforts in advocating for social justice.
9 Incorporate DEI in Education
Advocate for diverse and inclusive curricula in schools and universities. Supporting education that acknowledges the contributions of various cultures and identities fosters empathy and understanding among students.
10 Stay Open to Continuous Learning
Recognize that DEI work is an ongoing process. Be receptive to feedback and be willing to adjust your actions based on new insights. Continuously seek opportunities for learning, growth, and development in your journey towards challenging the status quo.
I - Inspire
As a DEI professional, my passion for this work is deeply rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
In my long career in Human Resources, I have witnessed the impact of discrimination, systemic inequities, and outright exclusion at times and this has fueled my commitment to advocate for a more just and inclusive society. I strive to be a catalyst for change, dismantling barriers and challenging the status quo to create spaces where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
I want to inspire the world to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion because not only can this be a strategic necessity in communities, businesses and families, it is a moral imperative for every human to strive to be a good human. Born and raised in the big city (Boston, MA) and having resided in other big places like Seattle, NYC, Miami and Dallas, life eventually brought me to my current beautiful home, or as I like to call it, my final destination - Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
I am so firm in my beliefs about the value of DEI that living in Eureka Springs, Arkansas just makes sense. This small-town of 2500 year-round residents are a truly inclusive society, and we harness the collective strength of diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, that propel our innovation, creativity, and progress. This is true community at its finest.
I believe that by fostering empathy, understanding, and collaboration, we can transcend the boundaries that divide us and create a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. As we stand united in our pursuit of DEI, we not only uplift individuals and communities but also enrich the very fabric of humanity, shaping a brighter and more harmonious future for generations to come. Together, let us be champions of change, advocates for justice, and architects of a world where equity and inclusion reign supreme.
Music continues to be a source of inspiration. Please enjoy:
R - Reflect
Self-reflection is a transformative practice that holds immense value for individuals and the world at large. Engaging in regular self-reflection allows us to gain deeper insights into our beliefs, biases, and behaviors.
By practicing daily self-reflection, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that spreads far beyond ourselves. Let us embrace the power of self-reflection to transform ourselves and the world into a place where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, and inclusion becomes the fabric of our shared humanity.
Take time every day to reflect.
Ask yourself: What is it that you chose to do? What you’re learning, and how you are feeling?
The spectrum of human emotions is complex and when we have difficult emotions such as shame and anger, although these are quite uncomfortable for us, recognition and reflection is what guides you into deeper self-awareness and understanding. As life's seasons change around you, this work helps you to harness what you believe/think and how you act.
Start Each Day with Intention: Dedicate a few moments each morning to set an intention for the day's self-reflection. Remind yourself of the importance of this practice in your personal growth and commitment to DEI values.
Journal Your Thoughts and Emotions: Keep a DEI-focused journal to jot down your reflections, questions, and emotional responses to what you learn. Reflect on how the information impacts your beliefs and actions.
Practice Mindful Listening: When engaging in conversations, actively listen to others' experiences and perspectives without judgment or defensiveness. Seek to understand rather than respond.
Reflect on Your Interactions: At the end of each day, reflect on your interactions with others. Were there instances where you demonstrated allyship or where you could have done better?
Seek Feedback and Accept Criticism: Be open to seeking feedback from others about your own biases and actions. Accept constructive criticism with humility and gratitude, using it as an opportunity for growth.❤️
"IN THE MIRROR" is a blog-series that features viewpoints from the personal opinion of John-Michael Scurio, local resident, blogger and coach here in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and creator/owner of this blog - www.iloveureka.com. In this LIVING WELL blog-series, we uncover the depths of change and how we all have the ability to change. But it takes time, and it requires some learning. Take time you need to learn and grow. Please enjoy!
