in conversation with lydia brodie

name | lydia brodie

describe this year in 3 words | prosperous, insightful, distinctive

on your must-read list | relational intelligence by dharius daniels

song currently fueling your soul | do it by chloe x halle

current inspiration | equal justice initiative

COMMUNITY CARE

what spiritual convictions guide you as you engage in conversations about racial justice? 

racial justice is an important topic to talk about in various communities. it deserves visibility from everyone. whenever i engage in a conversation, i am intentional about having an open mind, getting to the heart of the matter, and being present in the moment. i allow myself to amplify the voices of those who feel voiceless. applying the principles of Christ, being quick to listen, slow to speak, and get angry, helps me engage in the best way possible in my discussions about racial justice. i optimistically hope for truth-telling and sincerity to result from conversations about racial justice, those that involve me or others.

SPIRITUAL CARE

how are you spiritually connecting to others and God on a deeper level during this season?

i have always taken my faith and relationship with God seriously. in this season of my life, as a young woman still emerging into adulthood, i have grown to connect with friends and family members, creating a deeper bond spiritually and emotionally. making room for vulnerability to be present in all spaces in my relational orbit has revealed just how amazing my relationships are. quarantining has fostered a space for me to identify the areas where my faith must strengthen. despite the uncertainty of this season, i've come to understand the commitment it takes to die to the flesh daily.

how have you learned to confront trauma in your life, and what role have your beliefs played during those experiences? 

i have learned to confront the trauma in my life by being honest, first. transparent, second. i have to be real with myself about my emotions and voice them without personal rebuke. then, i will reach out to someone, more than likely, my parents or friends, and discuss how i feel with them, to become intensely self-aware of how to overcome the trauma i may feel. it is a blessing to have a great social support system, which i do not take for granted. faith plays a big role in this process as it reminds me of the faithful presence of Jesus and his love for me to succeed and be well.

PHYSICAL CARE

what beliefs guide your view of physical wellness, and have they shifted this year? 

God wants the best for me and for me to discover the best version of myself. physical wellness has become a heightened desire for me, especially to eat well and improve physical activity. i am happy that i've been able to find a fun exercise routine, which plays to my strengths and allows me to improve myself physically. it's exciting to see the results of my discipline and effort so far, and how that has impacted me internally.

SELF-CARE

how can we love ourselves and each other well when there is so much tension right now? 

remind yourself that you are only responsible for what you can control. you must learn how to love yourself to the fullest before loving others in the same way. tension may form and feel uncomfortable, but that's normal. loving each other well gets easier when we can effectively respond and show love to ourselves first.

how are you reclaiming the parts of yourself that have been ignored or misunderstood? 

it's been a journey, but i've learned to love the parts of me that are ignored or misunderstood. i can admit with confidence that i am a rare and unique individual. my introverted personality, the way i approach the world and how i value myself all contribute to the uniqueness of my spirit. now, i look at those things as a positive and not a negative. i've rewired my brain to view those traits as strengths and not weaknesses. we each have a different style of sharing our authentic selves with the world. it is valued and needed. i've just come to understand how i fit in the world with my gifts and that it is necessary that we collectively involve everyone else's as well.

share a message from your future self to your present self.

you will come to learn so much more about yourself. your unique humor and sense of style with grace will confidently support you in any space you find yourself in. God has remained faithful all this time and will continue to be. the light in you is certainly shining bright for all to see, and the impact is inspiring. keep moving forward, always.

*this conversation is about