Thinking About Integrity

Time to read: 25 seconds.

In the past few months and especially the past few weeks, I've consumed more news than I have at any other time in my life. As you all are consuming a lot of media these days, too, I'm committed to keeping my newsletter even shorter and more relevant than ever so you can focus on all the other important voices out there.

As I listen to the news, one question I've thought a lot about is integrity - both personal and corporate. How are individuals, organizations, and our government responding to everything that's happening? What do their responses say about them? And what do they teach us about the foundations of integrity and how to maintain and sustain your own personal integrity? How does courage fit in? And vulnerability? And risk?

Companies have responded to George Floyd's murder and the subsequent call for justice and change. Some have knocked it out the park (Ben and Jerry's) and some have been, well, strange (give this lively, funny and poignant radio broadcast - It's Been a Minute - a listen).

Then ask yourself, what does integrity look like for you in all this?

That's what I've got on this June day.

With rebel love,

Christina

P.S. If you want to feel encouraged that change is possible, listen to The New York Times Daily podcast about the landmark Supreme Court ruling.

Feel Guilty About Your Joy?

Time to read: 45 seconds.

We're at my father-in-law's funeral. My father-in-law was a gentle, impactful community and business leader who died of Alzheimers a few weeks ago. Yesterday was the moving, Covid-designed funeral.

We're sad.

And we're having a great time in Austin. BBQ never tasted so good and evening drives full of new smells and new sites are refreshing my family's soul. We didn't realize until we landed at the airport how much we needed rest and a change of scenery and perspective.

Complexity

That's the name of the game.

Ease does not come from erasing discomfort through simple explanations and avoiding pain. Ease comes from (cliche warning) leaning in, knowing that you are resilient and can handle whatever you hear or whatever happens. Ease comes from increasing your ability to embrace complexity - that joy and grief, fun and rage, can all exist together.

If you have the opportunity to visit the site of George Floyd's murder, I recommend you go. It's a moving experience - t-shirt booths, food tents serving free hotdogs and pasta salad (the bacon broccoli one was some of the best pasta salad I've ever eaten... I digress), people singing, make-shift food banks, all mixed together with a beautiful mural and altars of flowers, kid's drawings, and reverence and grief for the tragedy that took place there.

The experience is complex: optimistic, sad, hopeful, joyful, generous, and forward thinking. The experience paints a picture of the world fueled by love, community, and complexity as opposed to violence and domination.

This quote came across my radar screen today and is the perfect addition to thinking about joy and complexity. In the midst of doing intense work in non-violence and reconciliation, Emma Jordan-Simpson, Executive Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, talks about how she takes care of herself.

"One of the things I do to take care of myself is that I protect joy. Not having good times is not an excuse not to be human, not to live and move and engage. Joy helps us do that. For me, joy is seeing the effort that people make to take care of one another. Joy is having incredibly fulfilling relationships with family, with friends, with neighbors. Joy is finding something to laugh about at the most ridiculous times. Joy is in our music. No one can take joy from us."

As you find your place in this pandemic and your role in racial justice, you have permission to have your joy. It's part of embracing increased complexity.

With love,

Christina

P.S. If you want to better understand the issues surrounding police reforms, this New York Times Daily podcast is worth the 25 minutes.

A Very Short List of Resources to Help You In These Times

Time to read: 10 seconds. Following the links: Life-changing.

We're going super short today. I don't know about you…I'm tired and listening and processing and feeling.

I read and listen to a lot of podcasts. My friends and family count on me to recommend only the most impactful. So, here is a very short list of my best recommendations for this moment in time.

If you are overwhelmed by where to start in the conversation about structural racism, pay attention to this man. Read his book. Read his articles. I've linked to his most recent article in The Atlantic. Then head out to Facebook and other places on social media. Many black people and people of color are generously offering their insight and wisdom.

If you want to process at the deepest levels, what it means to be human, listen to this podcast.

And even better, Brene Brown (the podcaster) will be interviewing Ibram X Kendi (the author) in an upcoming episode. Two great people who go great together. It's a win-win.

Finally, if you are wondering how to help, consider giving to any of these organizations. There are lots of good people doing good work out there.

I hope this helps.

Christina