Still waiting….

Time to read: 46 seconds

The actual tattoo on my actual wrist

All around me I see people jumping in to DO SOMETHING. My past self was a quick responder, fast to DO, and quick to draw conclusions.

People do this at work all the time. Reorganization happens…do something! Layoffs…do something.! New management…do something! Change happens…do something!

I've learned that quick action does not always lead to the most thoughtful, effective action. At least not for me. So, I have learned to wait. Watch. Wait. Pay attention. Learn. Wait. Heal. Feel. Listen. Wait.

Then do.

I am thinking about a lot of things and will have many things to say in coming weeks. For now, I invite you to join me in waiting. There is a lot to learn.

 

You Have Permission To Stop

Time to read: 1 min, 1 second or 61 seconds

All ready for voters. Notice it is STILL DARK outside.

On election day, I was a poll judge from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm watching our democracy in action. All day, people voted like their lives depended on it. We had a line out the door for 10 hours, and many new registrants. The energy was high, and people were STRESSED OUT.

I appointed myself the emotional support animal and sat with voters to help them figure out proper documentation or talking them off the ledge when they had to take off their candidate hats in the polling place (that's the rules, folks). I gave everything I've got and put my best coaching skills to work in the world.

That's what it is for me. Consistency. Be the thing you want in the world, no matter who, no matter where. Nothing changes until you do.

And now, I'm exhausted. I've taken the rest of the week off and recommend that whoever you are and whatever you believe in, take some quiet time this week.

 

You Have Permission To Stop

Time to read: 1 min, 1 second or 61 seconds

I distract myself with collecting and sharing pretty things

I distract myself with collecting and sharing pretty things. When you are anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, it is ok to stop for a while.

Often, high performing people like you feel like you must push through, keep showing up, and do more. I hear people say that the antidote for their discomfort is, "do something!" Yes to doing things. It's a great strategy.

And, sometimes, you just need to turn off your brain. Watch a stupid movie. Lay on the couch and watch BritBox mysteries (my favorite). Watch the sunset. Talk about fashion with your friends. Snuggle your dog.

It's ok…actually it's imperative…that you let your brain rest and reset. When living in uncertain times, find your distractions. Let your brain rest. So you are ready for the next round of doing.

I'd love to hear about your favorite distractions. Please email me and share!

If you have friends who are anxious and uncomfortable please point them here. They can subscribe and join the conversation.

 

What To Do With Your Discomfort?

Time to read: 1 min, 1 second or 61 seconds

Feeling anxious and unnerved in the uncertainty? You are not alone.

Last week we talked about walking through the uncertainty surrounded by your people.

This week, when things are uncertain, painful, or uncomfortable, your only option is KEEP GOING.

We make up that it's "bad," or "not ok" to feel uncomfortable which leads you to try to remove the discomfort. People turn to alcohol, shopping, drugs, work, and all sorts of other addictions and distractions to try to feel "ok."

That is not to say that a glass of wine or an evening of Netflix is wrong. (Wait until next week to find out more about that.)

Instead, though, see if you can simply be uncomfortable and let the discomfort be ok. Discomfort doesn't have to derail you from life and work. It can simply be a temporary condition that you live with for a while until a decision is made, a situation is resolved, or the election is over.

Once on the other side, you can start to find yourself and your equilibrium in the new space.

Does that make sense? Please reach out if it doesn't. Or if it does and you have more to say!

If you have friends who are anxious and uncomfortable please point them here. They can subscribe and join the conversation! Sign up here.

 

Don't Do It Alone

Time to read: 35 seconds

These two do not normally get along

Last week I talked about how the human brain hates uncertainty. In the US, we have much uncertainty, and people tell me how anxious and unnerved they feel.

I certainly don't have all the answers, and I and the Corporate Rebel Masters group had a powerful call last week and came up with a number of…what to call them…solutions?…suggestions?…ways to be?… to help navigate these choppy waters.

Here is the first one: Don't go it alone.

When in liminal space (the powerful and uncomfortable in-between place), go in with others. Find and activate your community. Call your friends. Schedule dinner dates. Host parties. Drink tea (with friends). Go for walks (with others). Go into the office and see people live and in person.

Remind yourself of the love and support in your life, and the love and support you offer others. When your brain is exploding from the uncertainty, find your people and hold on tight!

More tips for navigating this season are coming right up in the coming weeks!

If you have friends who are anxious and uncomfortable please point them here. They can subscribe and join the conversation here.

 

What's Going On? It's Fall!🍂

Time to read: 46 seconds

In my Corporate Rebel Masters group (graduates of my programs), we talked about liminal space and the discomfort of uncertainty.

Most simply put liminal space is space between things. It's the space between one identity and another, between daybreak and morning, between summer and winter, between one administration and the next.

There is a seasonality to the discomfort. Fall is a liminal season. Plants die and trees shed. We say goodbye to summer. Even if you live in Southern California, kids return to school and things just "feel different." You're not in summer and not in winter. You're in between.

People tell me they feel anxious or sad in the uncertainty. In the US, we have a charged election and too many other things to list. It seems normal to feel agitated and anxious in this in-between place. We know how things were. We don't yet know how they are going to be.

The human brain hates uncertainty. In the next few weeks, I'll share the wisdom from CR Masters about what to do, how to care for yourself and others in this uncomfortable in-between place.

Keep reading. If you have friends who are anxious and uncomfortable please point them here. They can subscribe and join the conversation here..

 

Brain Care: Part 5 - This One Is Fun!

Time to read: 37 seconds

Me, doing something new. A self-driving car!

We are well into fall. I hope you are settled into your fall routine and feeling more at ease. Today is the last element to enhance neuroplasticity, novelty.

The brain likes to be stretched, to do and learn new things. Using your brain keeps your brain flexible into the future. It’s easy to add new things into your life.

Here is your simple challenge:

  • Take on a new project at work (bonus: work and novelty together)
  • ead books (each book takes you to a new world)
  • Walk a different route with your dog. See and think about new things.
  • If you have time, develop a new habit…learn to play piano or knit or grow tomatoes.
  • Join a new activity with other people. That will yield new conversations and generate new interests and friendships.
  • Make a new recipe for dinner.

Adding new things to your life doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Simply figure out ways to add new elements to things you already do. Your brain will thank you.

Welcome to fall. Your brain is all set to go!