Our Piece in a Pivotal Age: The Power of Everyday Interactions

Written by: Ryley Eden Posey

Ryley Posey, one of our 2025 Career Grant awardees

The overall wellness and success of the whole is defined by the qualities of the smaller parts that make up that whole. In this case, referring to our communities, it can seem overwhelming to face the uncertainty of a changing, and sometimes even uncomfortably volatile world. However, when we break it down to the individual level, each of us plays a part in how our communities—and therefore our world—function, feel, and fluctuate.

The intention that we pour into our day-to-day interactions will truly create a ripple effect into the greater wellness of our communities, especially as more of us come to realize, and put into practice, our impact. Every day of our lives is composed of micro-moments, many of which involve other people. In our workplaces, universities, homes, and businesses, we have the power to influence—for positive or negative, empowering or disempowering—those around us. In a society where efficiency, speed, and convenience are prioritized, the power of an authentic conversation, unrushed empathy, and genuine words can be monumental.

Especially in times of scarcity, lack, or stress, it can be easy to assume that there is not enough to go around, to feel jealousy towards others, to compare our journeys or timelines, and to put up walls. However, behind the eyes of each person we face, there is a story. There are challenges, lessons, fears, hopes. Rather than turning a blind eye in order to rush towards the many pursuits that await us in our life journeys, taking the time to share an empowering word, a sentiment of encouragement, or a moment of empathy can be pivotal in the day of those we interact with. These moments build community, and no one's light grows any dimmer by sharing it with someone else.

An important aspect of empowering women in our community spaces is understanding our emotions. When we feel conflicted, restrained, or experience tension and resistance within ourselves, it can close us off to authentic expression. This by no means implies that we must be psychological experts in order to have positive interactions, but there is some merit to the statement that as we understand and pour into ourselves, it becomes easier to understand and uplift other women. In our schools, homes, and workplaces where we interact especially closely with those who share space, this is especially influential.

Emotions such as jealousy and anger, which are often the greatest blockages to empowering interactions, can actually communicate important signals. When we feel jealousy, it often points to a desire we wished to engage in, accomplish, or acquire, but have held back from in some way. Rather than this becoming an unconscious reason to disapprove of another's success, we can take this emotion as a signal to take a small step towards a vision of ours, as well as encourage the success of others. This will reflect back significantly better than resisting and resenting.

Anger, on the other hand, shows us where an internal boundary has been crossed. This is an opportunity to both get to know what our limits and expectations are, and to communicate with others what these are, with respect and an open mind. By listening empathetically while still expressing our feelings clearly, even difficult conversations can become empowering experiences for both people.

It can be helpful to view challenging moments as an "us vs. the problem, situation, or misunderstanding" rather than a "me vs. you" conversation. This empowers everyone involved to feel uplifted as a capable problem solver rather than feeling shame, fear, defensiveness, or insecurity. With empathy and emotional awareness, even the most uncomfortable confrontations have the potential to become catalysts for positive change in a way that avoidance and unspoken rules could never create.

Although everyone's life experiences are vastly different, as we pursue that which calls us, the goals that inspire us, and the moments that matter to us, there is always a common thread. When we strive for depth rather than width, empowerment and empathy over jealousy and avoidance, we create communities that feel healthy, supportive, passionate, and genuine. These day-to-day interactions build what is our greater whole, from a small classroom or office to the cities and continents that make up our world. May we treat our interactions with care, and never doubt the power of our words and the influence of strong community.