As we reflect on the first half of 2020 (thankfully in the rear view mirror), we have all undoubtedly faced disruption in our lives, anxiety about what it means today and for our future, and endured unending tumult in our society and our world. Indeed, there are degrees to our pain and uncertainty, but absolutely no one is immune. If a global pandemic has shown us anything, it has illuminated our interconnectedness with one another and highlights how the suffering of others literally affects each and every one of us. Indeed, if your heart hasn’t been touched by now with concern for our collective “community”, then you most certainly are not fully alive.
So what do we do now? How do we move from learning to doing?
As quickly as I read, listen and watch, there is more to learn, more to grasp, and more questions to ask. There is so much coming at each of us in rapid fire emails, articles, webinars, and workshops, that even the learning can be exhausting. And yet, in order to repair our world, we must keep learning in order to grow, and growing in order to give and live wholeheartedly. And yet, merely educating ourselves at this time is not enough. We all must push further and engage with purposeful action.
It is clear that we will never “get back to normal”. Instead, we must imagine the world that we want to live in as we create a “new normal”, get clear about the issues we want to address, and identify how we can contribute our resources- whether it be our time, talent, treasure and/or ties. What do I value above all else? What strengths make me unique? What issues matter to me? And what organizations are working to make change? Get educated, gain clarity, pick a lane, and get to work.
And then it happens…one day you wake up and you’re in this place.
You’re in this place where everything feels right. Your heart is calm. Your soul is lit. Your thoughts are positive. Your vision is clear.
You’re at peace, at peace with where you’ve been, at peace with what you’ve been through,
and at peace with where you’re headed.”
-unknown
If not now, when?
The time is now and we hear the call to action. I am inspired by my clients who have each uniquely chosen to respond in this moment. Some are meeting basic human needs during the COVID19 crisis; some are requiring that racial justice, equity and inclusion are part of every funding conversation; others are working to preserve democracy through investing in voter registration, get out the vote, and ensuring a safe and fair election in November; and yet others are working to identify a shared value system with their family in order to be effective grantmakers for generations to come. In all cases, they are listening and learning, and taking their responsibility as educated and engaged citizens seriously, working towards a confident and more empowered future. What are you called to do in this moment?
“Scratch that- this is not a moment, it’s the movement.”
-Lin-Manuel Miranda, My Shot
I work with individuals and families as they imagine the world that they want to live in and, together, we identify a shared value system
for wholehearted engagement and a plan of action.
Educate. Engage. Empower.
Click here to learn more and begin a conversation.