Brought to you by the letter "C"

If there were a theme for my life from 2023 to 2024, it would hands-down be the letter "c."

Community

I don't remember the exact moment it happened, but I recall browsing job boards and looking for keywords that I knew. I've been struggling over the last couple of years with what direction I should take my career, so I'd peek into job boards from time to time to see what was out there. Default search terms include: education, teaching, programs, customer experience, training, manager. Have you ever felt like your work self only exists as the titles you've had already?

A word that I never thought to look for is "community," the very thing that I do every single day. I suddenly found myself down a rabbit hole of job titles that included the word, "community," and that community management or head of community is ACTUALLY a thing. It was validating and motivating to know that companies around the world are prioritizing communities.

I have a new perspective on what is possible for me. My work-related "keywords" have expanded, so who knows where career will take me!

Change to Chen

2023 was the year I finally began the tedious process of changing my name back to Chen, my maiden name. While the paperwork and process were uneventful, the whole idea of letting go of my identity of 24 years was quite jarring. Even signing my name on documents had to be unlearned. I did it and it's now much easier for me to introduce myself as Grace Chen!

Caretaking

From discovering our dog, Kaya, has liver cancer, to moving in with my elderly parents, the role of caretaker has become a big part of my day to day. Add that to my resume! It's not the same as being a mother or older sister or wife, where I felt like I did not have much choice but to be responsible.

Now, this is my choosing to offer up time and headspace for the sake of those who aren't able to do all things for themselves. Believe you me that I have many a moment where I want to run away, but I have to remind myself that it's a blessing to have this role as caretaker.

Complain a teeny bit less

This one is very hard for me because I am so quick to complain. Since walking the Camino back in 2022 (wow, time flies!), I began to notice what it feels to not give permission to the idea of complaints. There were literally days on end where I had no one to talk to and therefore, no one to complain to. It felt counterintuitive but it also felt great. I'd like to get back on the Complain Less train for the rest of 2024.

Cross-pollinate

Last but not least, 2024 is the year of cross-pollinating. Like community, cross-pollinating is something that I do on a regular basis, because it just makes sense. I love a good conversation with someone of a different background, different location, different culture, different anything. It thrills me when new partnerships seed and sprout.

Did you know that pollination precedes fertilization, which has to happen in order for seeds to form? We often hear about the planting of seeds, or that ideas are like seeds. Well, pollination and cross-pollination need to happen even before you do anything with seeds.