Rest. Review. Reset.

A long read for my LinkedIn community on the milestone month of the 18th Anniversary of a life built in Northwest Arkansas.

So, I generally shrug off the questions when asked why I still maintain a presence in Northwest Arkansas. You see, there are close, caring and concerned folk in my circle and network who worry that I, as a "seasoned woman" with no close familial ties in the area, why would I choose to stay in the area, especially given the "climate" shall we say in the state of Arkansas and the country as a whole.

And climate can be described both as the physical, the cultural as well as the?meteorological.?

For example, quite frankly like so many in Northwest Arkansas who experienced the tornadoes of May 26th, and that would be including myself, we are still a bit shaken and processing this milestone event. Travelling around Bentonville and Rogers alone, just seeing the vegetative?debris piling up like hills around neighborhoods is simply?unnerving at times. For example, the pile-up between Promenade Mall and Mercy Hospital in Rogers is just massive.

And then, just days after the tornado one had a near traffic altercation with someone?who can only be described as whose?political leaning was well defined. Why that assessment? The imagery wrapped on the tailgate of the truck?being?driven led to that assumption. And happening on Walton Boulevard in front of a well-known landmark for Bentonville.

And in the middle of it all, we valiantly tried to continue our work as we have since 2009, to produce a meaningful Black Music Month celebration for the community that has always meant to engage everyone because it is always for everyone. And let me be the first one to say how much it has been enjoyed producing these activations. The Fortune?500 #1's Shows and Events team taught me well and I hope it has always shown in the Black Music Month Celebration product?that has been produced over the years. It hasn't always been easy and often times support hasn't always been given by those who could. But we always have persevered and believed in the calling. Check out our 2024 Black Music Month recap here.

So, in making this long story?short, I have decided to take this much needed break to Rest. Review. Reset.

What is starting out last week as an 8-week sabbatical may possibly turn into a much longer step away.? Physically and mentally, there is a need for this action.??And more recently, all of this has been greatly exacerbated?by the aforementioned events.??

And taking this action because of the important life milestone being marked. This month marked some 18 years ago I was recruited to the area's Fortune 500 number 1 company to manage multicultural marketing initiatives. I always like to think I gave that assignment my all. And then some more. Always, my very best. But being reorganized out of the company back in 2018 changed that thinking and assessment. And ever since, one has chosen to wear the mantle of what it looks like to #RewireNotRetire.

I'm hoping to come back, renewed, refreshed and revitalized?to continue running this race.

Continuing to stand on scripture. Jeremiah 29:11.

Until then, please enjoy your summer. LinkedIn, take good care of yourselves, your?loved ones and each other.?

Peace and Grace,

Gwen