You Belong Here

In a world overcrowded with labels, don’t allow your identity to be defined by other people. Learn how to take back your power, choose to feed the aspects of your identity that serve you, and let go of those that don’t. You Belong Here offers a new framework for individuals to define how they want to be seen, heard, and valued on their own terms. Further, it serves as a launchpad for organizational leaders and culture builders to create safe spaces for individuals to show up as their authentic selves. Readers will explore identity in four parts: Lived identity–our inherited aspects, including race, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic class, and more. Learned identity–aspects that are chosen or claimed such as job titles, education, and relationships. Lingering identity–old habits and survival mechanisms that we fall back on when we feel like an outsider. Loved identity–this is where we view ourselves as our happiest, most authentic selves. While these types of identities intersect, the ability to see them independently of each other gives them more power and clarity. In the journey to understand our past experiences and how society has established barriers to entry, we can design our own future, rooted in our “loved identity.” When we fully leverage this and live with authenticity and purpose, we can be seen, heard, and valued in a way that gives us a sense of belonging at home, at work, and in society.