It's okay to not be okay...

Today, May 25 2022, I sent an email to my staff, employees, and partners at Eleven 11 Solutions. It wasn't "packaged up" in a pretty newsletter format. There were no slick graphics or pictures, and my thoughts were raw and vulnerable- kind of how I feel today.

I was not expecting many responses, but they came anyway.

People told me a variety of things, and shared resources, and their personal thoughts and tears with me. It occurred to me that others in my business network might benefit too. I paused, as I considered "what's appropriate for LinkedIn?" and checked in with a trusted colleague.

She assured me that 'collective well being (professional/personal) are not separate.'

And so, I give you (albeit with a wee bit of hesitation) my internal communique:

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Hi Lovely and Amazing Humans,?

I would be remiss as a leader, and certainly as a fellow human, if I did not take a moment to acknowledge the collective moment(s) we are all experiencing, along with the deeply personal challenges you are facing each day.?

Yesterday, we all learned about the unconscionable and horrifying news of another school shooting at the Robb Elementary School in Texas.?This is on the heels of a racist attack just over a week ago at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York killing 10 people.??

As I woke up today, on the 2 year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, I felt an immense heaviness.?It can be easy to become disheartened and hopeless in the wake of tragic gun violence, instability in our government and society, the war in Ukraine, the ongoing disparity, racism, and inequity we see every day.?It is easy to become furious about the rate of inflation, the loss of one million people to COVID, and so many “terrible headlines” that seem to confront and assault us endlessly.?It’s just… A LOT…. I get it.??

It’s also important to acknowledge the individual battles faced by those in our community: caring for elderly parents, or children, processing the death of pets, medical diagnosis’ of children and family members that will forever change the trajectory of lives, school bullying, and the recovery from accidents, injury and addiction.?With all of the various experiences that add up to a life- it can be easy to get “lost” in the heavy, the dark, and the negativity. ?

Here’s what I know- to be alive is to suffer, to grieve, and to feel entirely overwhelmed at times.?Your heartache is real.?Your distraction is real.?Your potential anxiety and fear are very real. I will never understand what you each experience each day, and I am aware that this email is not a salve. ?

AND?

I have hope, I have faith, and I have very real joy and happiness.?You do too.?No matter how small of seemingly insignificant, your day is filled with promise and fulfillment, even in the face of SO MUCH. ?

I invite you each to consider what might steady you today, tomorrow and in the coming weeks and months.??

Potential ideas to get your started:

• Connect- go outside, play (REALLY play) with your loved ones, read a favorite book again, watch that show that is always soothing (mine is ‘When Harry met Sally’ and my daughter’s is ‘Gilmore Girls’), call a friend or lean into a supportive relationship.
• Create something- bake, draw, sing, dance, paint, sketch or write (let go of perfection and be present as you create something, anything…)
• Go inside yourself- meditate, explore yoga, or step away from your PC and just breathe deeply.
• Be mindful of your negative news consumption and social media use; do what you can to take care of you in these moments of pain and collective and personal suffering.?
• Get involved- giving back to your community through activism, volunteerism or monetary contribution can help you find a sense of purpose and control.
• Show Thanks- consider all you have to be grateful for each day, and take note of those gifts and let those around you know how grateful you really are.?
• Practice kindness, and grace for yourself and for others. ?

It is and always will be important that we look out for each other, that we see one another (even in the workplace) as fellow humans, and that each of us has a story, and we each have the best intentions and are doing the very best we can.?Today you may have the strength your team member does not, and perhaps when you need that strength it will be given back to you in ways you cannot comprehend right now. Together, we can and will persevere. ?

Lastly, and most importantly- take good care of your mental health.?If you need time away from work, please reach out to me so we strategize your time off coverage.?If you need counseling or support services, please check with your health benefits as it may cover online therapy for services such as BetterHelp and TalkSpace. ?

Try to remember that you are capable of joy and love in the face of sorrow and grief.