There’s a very big part of me that loves to restore things.
Not objects. Problems and harmful perspectives. I love discovering subtle aspects that people may not notice or initially misunderstand.
While I love this part of who I am, it’s often perceived as ‘being negative’. Like anyone else, I can be negative in certain moments, of course. However, negativity isn’t inherently part of my ability to analyse a problematic situation or circumstance. Negativity is not at the core of that; restoration is. Being clear-eyed enough to close the loop and restore order is.
Part of this characteristic involves being critical, and it’s not about being critical to be difficult or to dampen the mood; it’s about ensuring that my voice against injustices and problematic behaviour makes it to the table.
Much of my upbringing was devoid of critical thinking and robust conversations. Things were the way they were because that was the way they were. No explanations, no alternative ways of thinking.
The moment that world collided with the real world, I began to slowly see things more clearly. I started to allow myself to ask questions. I started listening more and seeing that my voice, and the voices I grew up with, didn’t have the final say on anything.
That’s where I began my journey as a restorer. I started restoring myself and the harmful perspectives I carried. I discovered the deep satisfaction that comes from identifying issues and asking the hard questions of myself and those around me. It’s such an essential aspect of being a contributing member of society.
As I approach 35, I hope to further develop this skill so that I never stop asking questions and become better at showing people the heart behind being critical.
I want to restore and help clean up the mess when crises hit. But even more than that, I want to recognise the cracks before they become breaks, to speak truth before silence becomes complicity.
Restoration isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about loving something enough to see it clearly, flaws and all, and believing it’s worth the work to make it whole.
