Coffee Check-In: Growth & Readiness

This past week has definitely been another interesting chapter in the post-layoff journey. Five weeks seems so long, but so little at the same time! I've definitely felt like I've done more in this time than I normally do, but there are times when I've also felt like I haven't been doing enough.

"I'm ready for change! But am I ready for all the nuances and unknowns of what change brings?!" These two sentences seem to be hovering in the background to many of my days during this time. Sometimes the pull is more one way than the other, even if I've outwardly displayed one over the other. Sometimes I don't think about what other's think about me and what I''m doing, and then there are times when I'm worried if what I'm doing will help or hurt my chances of working with others I'd like to collaborate with now, or in the future.

Then this week, I saw some posts that really struck me. Imposter Syndrome is something that's been talked about a lot in my career by society at large. And I feel it's finally being acknowledged and accepted as 'OK.' It's OK to feel this way sometimes, at some point. Overthinking is totally a part of imposter syndrome, right? So it's OK, I'm OK! But when I saw these posts by Adam Grant, my perspective shifted a bit.

The merging of minds to be open and willing to give other people a chance to show their current and future potential while also being in a growth mindset of 'getting ready' can be life-changing. That's incredibly exciting I think.

And as someone who's always searched for belonging, his last two sentences on the second post about belonging and making a difference is truly comforting. I'm not sure if I can say I've ever felt true belonging outside of my family and my husband, but I know I've made a difference in other's careers, lives, and in workplaces, thanks to so many of my friends and former colleagues wonderful messages and conversations these last five weeks, and I am incredibly proud of that.

I hope and believe I'll be a part of building an organization, a place where I help others feel like they belong and we all make a difference.

Last night my husband told me that despite all that we've experienced, these last few weeks have been really meaningful to him, and that - that meant the world to me. That helps solidify that what I'm doing, what we're doing, is worth it. I'm ready. Let's Grow.

It's probably not exactly exciting to share that I have a very routine breakfast, but it's an essential part of the day that helps me feel grounded and ready. I may tweak little things here and there, but starting my day with a full stomach and a full heart is something I've found that helps me control what I can - me. I hope y'all can also appreciate the similarity between Mando and my coffee mug this morning. My second Boston Terrier, Umish, had many nicknames, including Stitch. I had to get this mug when we saw it at a shop during a Disney trip a few years ago, as it reminded us so much of our Little Man. If there is anything we don't need more of in our lives, it's coffee mugs, but I do love how each one in our giant collection has a special meaning ❤️️ Also, for anyone interested, a classmate told me about this wonderful little tray you've seen the last few days. It's a great little homework, laptop, and reading tray that's adjustable!