We do not see things as they are; we see things as we are.
-Anais Nin

If you’re courageous enough to download the images on this email, you’ll see a new me.

Hollywood stubble, check. Slim-fit suit, check. And of course, new hipster specs; I guess there are worse ways I could act out my midlife crisis.

For the new glasses, I tried an online retailer who sends you a box of five pairs to choose from, with nothing but clear lenses. So, for about a week, I wore these bold new frames without telling anyone I was still wearing contacts underneath.

Interesting—in the name of helping me see the world better, I started by asking the world to see me better. Or perhaps, see a better me.

Of course, if I really want the world to see a better me, it’s not new frames I need—it’s new lenses.

Lenses like compassion instead of judgment. Lenses like optimism instead of cynicism. Lenses like curiosity and collaboration and creativity—anything to help this 44yo white, Protestant, middle-class American male begin to see beyond all this inherent privilege, and see all people as individuals, with painful and hopeful stories behind their eyes that define them far more than whatever my eyes can see.

Even with my new glasses.

Peace,