Brought to you by the letter "C"

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.


Adam W.

Software Engineering | Product | Creative | Sales | Marketing | Operations | MBA - Views My Own. Consciously engaged in self-uncensorship.

11 个月

Michael Tilma wrote an awesome post on Character.

Lisa Thomson, Ed.D.

Director of MBA Career Coaching at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School | Recruiting & Talent Development Expert | Connector

11 个月

Grace C. While I love all of your posts and all of our conversations, I especially love this post because it brings so many elements of life (and life roles) together! So, I'd say it's a culmination of your identities and it's showcasing your quest for congruence in your life.

Marco Reategui EMBA

Relationship Manager, Working Capital Solutions, Partnerships Builder

11 个月

Grace, thank you for starting this conversation. I agree with Diana, YOU are an amazing cross-pollinator and community maker! ??

Emely Bonife

Labor Management. Supply Chain Management. Conscious Leadership. Responsible Volunteerism.

11 个月

Chain… how one looks at it makes a difference; it could be limiting/controlling(chained to a post) or liberating (chains that can be moved to another post or linked to another chain), and I prefer to look at both…??

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Grace C.的更多文章

  • Every Breath I Took

    Every Breath I Took

    In December of 2015, I was scammed by a sophisticated network of "bad actors," and lost more than $45,000. Even now…

    8 条评论
  • Why We Turn Our Cameras Off in Virtual Events (even ones we actually want to attend)

    Why We Turn Our Cameras Off in Virtual Events (even ones we actually want to attend)

    Let's talk about that moment of truth when you join a virtual workshop or networking event you were genuinely excited…

    10 条评论
  • Preparation, Meet Opportunity

    Preparation, Meet Opportunity

    I Have Arrived "I have arrived" has been a recurring thought these past several weeks. As I write this, I am…

    31 条评论
  • First Experiences with Community

    First Experiences with Community

    What was your first significant community experience? My first community experience was with the church. “I grew up in…

    19 条评论
  • Wanted: Space

    Wanted: Space

    Mental space, physical space, relationship space, time space, idea space, emotional space, auditory space. The list…

    9 条评论
  • The Living Years

    The Living Years

    I was standing at the kitchen counter doing some chopping of vegetables. In my ear were classic 80's music that…

    19 条评论
  • Life (isn't life) without ChatGPT

    Life (isn't life) without ChatGPT

    Earlier today, I had an interview with Ari Popper, CEO and Founder of SciFutures, where we touched on a range of topics…

    22 条评论
  • Doing Something I Have No Business Doing

    Doing Something I Have No Business Doing

    Last April, I wrote an article titled, "Cross-pollination Effect," which was an exploration into the power of making…

    25 条评论
  • Run Now, Benefit (much) Later

    Run Now, Benefit (much) Later

    Where it started I've always been un-athletic, slow, and clumsy. As a young girl, I was often the last picked for…

    22 条评论
  • To End or not to End

    To End or not to End

    You're at a gathering with friends and your social battery has run out. You've been volunteering for your child's…

    6 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了