Sitting in the uncomfortable.
June 4, 2020 - This week has been, geez, I am not even sure how to put it into words. For me, I am feeling ALL of the feels. But mostly, I think it is UNCOMFORTABLE. Ya, that sounds right.
2020 is delivering some really tough checks on our belief systems. Between the coronavirus challenging our core values, and forcing upon us a sort of isolation where so many are checking in on their lives, their businesses and asking hard questions like –
HOW DO I WANT TO SHOW UP?
DO I WANT TO RE-ENTER THE SAME WAY?
IS THERE A BETTER WAY?
WHAT REALLY MATTERS?
HOW CAN I BE BETTER PREPARED?
And then the tragic and horrific death of George Floyd, raising a more vibrant awareness to Systemic Racism in our country.
2020 has been uncomfortable for many, but I can only speak for myself. From fears around COVID-19 and my family’s health, to the stay-at-home order and how that has impacted our family and client’s businesses, to a reality check on white privilege. So uncomfortable I am, but I am sitting in it and I am aware of it and I am asking myself hard questions. I am listening and I am becoming more educated (slowly, because the consumption of too much content for me creates more confusion).
But what I have found in this being uncomfortable, is the opportunity to re-frame old beliefs that no longer serve me today. Inviting me to build new beliefs to be stronger and grounded from my own foundation and not those I inherited. To ask what belief systems I want to raise my family on that are more appropriate today and build my business on beliefs that I can stand for and be proud of.
This takes a lot of time, journaling, education, more listening, and many more tough conversations. I am uncomfortable with my ignorance to the reality of racism in its depths in 2020. I am uncomfortable with learning that how I personally understood "anti-racist" as a meaning was way off. But mostly I am uncomfortable with living in a vacuum of my own life’s goals that I just put my head down selfishly and focus on my own path. I made a change to make a change.
I have seen on social media that I am not alone. That feels comforting.
So in an effort beyond business support, and nurture, and stories, and nudges that continue to challenge you to ask hard questions of your brand, your mission, your structure, your leadership; today I am sharing this incredible resource I have received from a business mentor that I respectfully admire.
It is helping me today to break down my ignorance and become more educated in my belief that Black Lives Matter, and providing me information to be a better advocate for the country, life, and world I want for us today and for our future generations to come. Maybe you will find it valuable as well.
“When we know better, we can do better.” Oprah Winfrey.
With kindness, Jodie