Creating a New Track
When asked about getting her life “back on track” after leaving the White House, Michelle Obama answered “I have to create a new track”. Going back is not an option. Just as she can’t go back to “normal” we will not (and more importantly I hope we don’t) go back to “normal” either. It’s time to create new tracks for moving forward.
With this in mind, here are the good things I’ve noticed during this incredibly challenging and devastating time - I hope we can take this “stuff” with us on our new track as we collaboratively build a healthier tomorrow.
The Good Stuff:
People look up while walking and TRY to catch your glance just to smile and say “hi” – please keep doing this!
We have a kinder and gentler appreciation for parents who are trying to show up fully in two worlds at the exact same time – Let’s continue to offer this understanding, support and compassion. Even when work and family do not intersect physically, the emotional connection and pull is always there.
We crave connection with and have a heightened appreciation for those we can’t be with or hug – our relationships are a priority and our lifeline, always remember this.
Perfection has been replaced with “acceptance that we are human” and doing the best we can – we all have some messiness (even bad hair days and untidy homes) and it’s ok!
Creativity and innovation is through the roof – keep making cool videos, collaborating with new people, learning how to do things differently and sharing it with the world.
People have adapted to uncharted territory in ways and speeds we never thought imaginable – Remember you are stronger and more capable than you ever realized. You’ve uncovered resilience skills over the last few months that will carry you through future tough days.
Out-of-the-box thinking has become a new norm and expectation – continue to look at problems and opportunities from fresh angles and different lenses. There might be better ways than the “old” way.
People have embraced living with uncertainty about what’s next on any given day– Maintain your power (and the beauty) of living in the present, it will help you manage future stress and change.
We’ve seen goodness and generosity sprout up all over the place during this time of trauma and extraordinary need – Keep making a difference (tiny or big). Your thoughtfulness, service, love and care, for strangers and friends is always needed and will be invaluable as we heal our world.
John Kransinski created SGN (Some Good News) – PLEASE John, keep this going. We need good news today and always, it is what keeps us going and gives us hope (laughing with you is an added bonus and healing too!).
This list is certainly not exhaustive, it is just the beginning. Taking note of what’s good reminds me of a conversation I had yesterday with a close friend who has watched as her industry has been dismantled and crushed in a matter of weeks. While she has gone through every emotion possible as a leader, an employee, a wife and mom, she has landed on one key thought
“If you are not learning through this, you are missing a huge opportunity”
With this in mind, what “good stuff” have we learned and how will we hold on to it as we move forward?
