I’ve started to write countless posts this week—in my head, on my phone, on the computer. But every time I try to put my thoughts into words, it feels insufficient. Plus, no matter how I phrase things, I fear I might add to the growing sense of division, which is basically the antithesis of why I write.

Here’s what’s weighing on my heart.

It’s the fact that the collective “we” can see violence inflicted upon others and feel little to no pain, instead breaking down videos to identify the split seconds that help us prove our point. I’ve felt this way for years, regardless of who the victim is or what they believe.

Maybe it’s that I’ve encountered so much loss in my lifetime. Maybe it’s that I’m an empath. Maybe it’s that I claim “Love” as my religion—and I don’t care if that’s cheesy.

Lately I see a lot of people saying that being silent is being complicit, and I completely understand the sentiment. However, I would merge that with another common speech-vetting technique: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?

We’d all benefit by being more selective about what we choose to add to the conversation.

I’m working on it, too.