Stand Still
For me, November is the month of Dora. My mom (Dora) is always at the very top of my mind, but more so in November than any other time. Four years ago, on November 2nd, she passed away. She would have celebrated her 85th birthday on the 12th. And Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday because, in her mind, it was low on obligations and high on family and food!
She was many things, including a children’s book author, but above all else, my mom was a teacher. Lately, I have this sense of her hand on my shoulder, telling me to slow down (In my mind, she says it a bit more emphatically, and there’s a swear word or two in there, but you get the idea). She is telling me to actually stand still and catch my breath.
Like you, I’ve been going nonstop since March, trying to be as helpful as I can be, ready to listen or offer counsel seven days a week, and scrambling to keep my business in a stable position. I wake up every morning feeling like I am already behind, and there’s an underlying worry and pressure. I don’t know where it’s coming from and when I examine it, it’s not based on anything real other than this year has been a doozy! But, I have gotten used to responding by trying to do even more or move even faster.
And yet, for the past couple of weeks, I have felt that hand, almost forcing me to stay still and breathe. To quiet that dull roar that has been in the back of my head for the past eight months. To see past the chaos of COVID cases, worry for all of you, election tensions, and life’s challenges.
When I do stand still and just allow myself to drown out the noise, I am reminded of how fortunate we all are. I’m not suggesting that this has been easy, but we’re still here. We’re finding new ways to survive and thrive. We’re looking to 2021 with hope and confidence that we have weathered the worst of the storm and better days are ahead.
My mom used to say, “The glass is half something. You get to decide if it’s half empty or half full. Your perspective of the world changes once you make that decision.”
I realized that I haven’t even been able to tell how much water there is in my glass because my own pace has the water doing a mini hurricane! But when I stand still and allow the waters to calm, I choose half full.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because I suspect your experience has been very similar to mine.
I know you’re tired. I know many of you are still anxious about the months ahead. And I know you’ve been keeping a similar pace. Maybe I am channeling my mom, but please hear me suggest that you stand still and catch your breath. Take some deep breaths and, as many of us celebrate Thanksgiving around the world — notice, despite this crazy year, what can still be counted as a blessing.
We still have some mountains to climb, but I am hoping for two things:
1. Over the next few weeks, we can find time to stand still, breathe deeply, and find a sense of calm.
2. You’re reminded that you’re not going through this alone. Hang in there…we’ll get to the other side.
Drew McLellan, with Agency Management Institute, produces a weekly newsletter with updates, tips, and market information of value to marketing agencies, owners, and employees. If you'd like to receive the weekly newsletter, follow this link to subscribe.