6.12.20 // I am privileged

I am privileged.
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As I continue to examine societal structure, I am using every day to explore my own white privilege- taking steps in my life to critically think about how I can contribute to solutions to America's white supremacist culture.
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This week, the mountains were top of mind.
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America's inspiring mountain ranges are places that should be shared by all and yet diversity is almost nonexistent.
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I freely find solace in the mountains and the places where humans are dwarfed by the scale of Mother Nature, but the time and space to explore America's great mountain ranges is a privilege.
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I freely traverse trails, without fear of my skin color causing a reaction in other hikers.
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I freely climb paths that leave me struggling for breath in thin air, but the struggle for breath is my choice and I climb without fear of someone taking my breath from me.
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Struggling for air as I neared the top of New Mexico's tallest peak this week, my mind was racing with the privilege of controlling my breath, thinking hard about how my work can increase access to America's natural landscapes for people that don't look like me.