A couple of days ago, I shared some pictures of my beloved Chicago, more specifically, my neighborhood, Bucktown.

Things have been calmer the last 48 hours in Bucktown, but the difference between rest and unrest can be a fine line in a city. I took my first walk around since the weekend, and I saw a lot of pain, remnants of destruction, countless tributes to George Floyd and others who have lost their lives, but also beauty, hope and helpers.

They say Chicago is a tale of two cities— North and South, but it is really 77 cities woven into one.

I still hold my breath when I hear of a protest, hoping it won’t turn violent and that cooler heads will prevail. The only thing I can hope for is progress. Incremental steps forward everyday.

I know a lot of organizations are looking for answers, actions, a new playbook. It’s ok not to have one just yet- the commitment to change and to do something different is more important right now. The issues of systemic racism and bias have been so deeply entrenched for centuries- fight to urge to “fix”.

Declare your intent.

Then look, listen and learn.

Sharing some new pictures — some might see spray paint and boards. I saw inspiration and hope.

Be well & stay well,

A couple of years ago, this BBC news clip went viral. I watched it on a loop and remember my stomach hurting from laughing hysterically.

I remember commiserating with my workmates, and seriously wishing I could walking into every meeting like THAT kid.

Dad was a real pro— remained relatively calm as he politely gave his kid a Heisman in the face.

Mom came RACING in frantically …. nearly faceplanting while trying to get a hold of the flying saucer (aka baby) and her oldest who was marching like she was leading the Rose Parade.

And considering the interview topic (North Korea!) the timing wasn’t great. (live TV is generally not great timing)

But isn’t that what made it all so … REAL and hilarious?

Last week, my husband, who’s been working from the basement office since his voice carries, texted us that the footsteps upstairs were LOUD.

He had an important meeting with senior leaders and I’m sure it was difficult to concentrate. But honestly, I was not feeling too sympathetic— because isn’t that EVERYONE right now???

Many of us struggle to maintain our sanity on any given “normal” day— During Covid— just maintaining is utterly exhausting.

During Covid, our daily checklist looks like this (at least mine does):

Stay healthy
Stay indoors
Get fresh air, but don’t get near anyone
Eat healthy
But don’t go to the grocery store often
Take vitamins
Drink wine
But too much wine will disrupt your sleep
Sleep is important to health
Scour the internet for TP, hand sanitizer and wipes
Join every Facebook group and follow every # to get real time alerts on which Target has TP in stock
Cook healthy meals for you and / or your family every day
Prepare all homeschool lessons a day in advance
Manage 2nd grade social calendar and ensure Zoom meetings aren’t hacked by creepers.

You know what I’m saying. It’s just A LOT to manage.

So back to our expert guy— he gets interrupted and he apologizes PROFUSELY. Last week, I got interrupted by my daughter last week and I apologized profusely. It’s definitely a “normal” response.

But you know what? None of this is normal— so here’s a thought.

Replace “sorry”… with “thank you”.

Thanks for your patience!
Thanks for saying hi to my kid!
Thanks for letting me see your dog!
Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Give yourself and those you work with the space and compassion to be a human being. Now is not the time to assess someone’s “executive presence”.

If we can give the permission to ourselves to be a little less perfect, we can do the same for others and be stronger after all of this is in the rear view mirror.

In the words of the Queen:

"We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us.”

Damn. She’s good.

And so are you.

Jean

PS: Link below to the clip. You have to.

https://youtu.be/Mh4f9AYRCZY

The Case for Gaman

A Tale of Two Cities? Try 77.

#sorrynotsorry. The Case for Thank You.