Journalling · 15 minutes
Who’s On the Wall?
A reflection on belonging, respect and fear — and on the people sitting just outside the fence of your life, waiting to be asked in.
Goes with the story The Wall Outside the Cage.
The Estate · theestate.world/reflect/whos-on-the-wall
Before you start
This is useful for parents, youth workers, teachers, older siblings — and for anyone who remembers being the kid on the wall.
Steps
- Think back to a time you were on the outside of a group, watching. Write down where you were and how old you were.
- Write down who, if anyone, invited you in. If nobody did, write that too.
- Now think about the present. Is there someone on the edge of a group you’re part of — at work, at home, on your street, online? Write their name or a description.
- Write one low-pressure way you could leave the door open for them. Mal didn’t drag Troy in. He just made the room worth coming into.
Write
Where have I mistaken fear for respect, in myself or in someone else?
Who is sitting on the wall outside my life right now?
What is the “linesman” job I could offer — a small way in that doesn’t ask for too much, too soon?
Sit with this
Mal said: “When people are scared of you, they do what you say. But they never tell you the truth.” Sit with the difference between being feared and being trusted. Which one have you been chasing?
The Ripple
Offer one small way in to someone on the edge this week. A seat. A job to do. A “you coming?” Then leave the choice with them.
No printer?
Write here instead.
This stays on this page. Nothing is sent or saved.
Questions I Ask Myself
One story. One thought. One different direction.
Welcome, Neighbour.