Intention: Listen, Learn, Do Better
As we write this, our cities burn. We are in the middle of a pandemic. Everywhere we look, there is immense pain, anguish, anger, hurt, loneliness, confusion, and fear in our country and beyond. It can feel like the antithesis of "together".
Yet we realize that our original intent still applies. We know that loneliness can lead to feeling helpless and hopeless, and as the book shares, that a mutual sense of belonging starts with going to and understanding where others are – both literally and figuratively. It helps you build collective empathy, reduce fear, and appreciate others' lived experience. And we sure do need more of that right now.
Our humble newsletter won’t even start to scratch the surface of what is occurring in our world right now. Yet we commit to listening, learning, and doing better. We commit to educating ourselves further, especially as it relates to our black and brown colleagues, clients, friends, and family. We commit to going to and understanding where others are. We commit to being part of the solution to dismantle the systemic racism that has propagated injustice for centuries. And we are doubling down on our continued commitment to be a catalyst for curiosity and courage, to challenge our assumptions, and build brave and compassionate relationships. "Together" doesn't happen without this commitment.
Does it feel daunting and uncomfortable? Absolutely. Do we have all the right words, the right actions? Despite our best intentions, no. But we’re going to keep trying – because we want to lead meaningful, impactful, inclusive, compassionate, and brave lives. Discomfort is required for that, as is trying, failing, and rising back up stronger.
We leave you with this quote from "Together": "‘A lot of our isolation,’ John Paul said, ‘is the degree to which people feel invisible. Invisibility brings with a deep ambiguity of not being located. So, when you come and show up and have concern and conversation from their location, you’re rehumanizing the situation that has lost that connection at a very deep level.’"
Show up. Have concern. Speak up. Connect. Rehumanize.
