LEAD BOLDLY: Little things and big ones

My day started with a clogged bathtub drain—honestly, not a bad metaphor for life lately. Some things feel stuck, while others are rushing forward too fast, completely out of control.

Last week, I was all in—fighting to protect the programs and people I care about. By Saturday, I hit a wall. Was I really making a difference, or just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic? But then the kids came over for a long-overdue holiday celebration. We did all the little things, ate dinner and brownies, opened gifts, made art, and amidst their laughter, I remembered why this work matters.

What does that have to do with my bathtub drain?

Well, we’ve got some big fights ahead of us. We won’t all agree about which ones. And we won’t all agree about which are the ones that we should spend our time on. They’re big. They are marathons. And in the meantime, there are things we need to do. Fix the tub. Eat dinner. Breathe. Stay sane, which for me involves hot baths, cooking, doing laundry, and maybe make some art.

All the little things still matter. Doing them, refueling ourselves and those around us, is what makes it possible to fight the big fight.

To the folks reading this that are federal employees, thank you for helping preserve the things we care about.

To the folks reading this who are leading organizations in the business of service, thank you. We depend on you.

To the folks reading this who are leading teams, it’s crazy out there. It’s going to take your best. Reach out if I can help. Thank you to you and your team.

I made a playlist for us. Keep breathing. ???? Let’s be dragons.

Take care of you. Together we've got this.

Julie