Life WILL go sideways

We got power back! It took a few days - and there are still folks in our city without it - and it was a good, frustrating, useful experience for me. 

If you'll forgive the metaphor, this really brought home to me the lack of control we often have over our own power. Outside factors can impact you and your ability to do what you need to do - let alone what you want to do - with no notice at all. We've all experienced a sudden illness or weather emergency that throws our plans into chaos.

I want to point out to you that you have three strategies you might not be leaning into enough to help protect you. 

Before hand? A few extras. A backup dinner in the freezer, a little money set aside if you can, a favor you can call in from a friend, a pre-written email explaining that you're "out of pocket" for a few days due to unforeseen circumstances... All these are protective when things go sideways.

When the situation hits? Empathy. Are you giving yourself the grace and space that you would give someone else experiencing what is happening to you when you're caught by something outside your control? Berating yourself, allowing you to say to YOU things you would never say to someone else about blame, laziness, stupidity is just cruel. Don't be cruel to yourself, be kind. 

After the chaos? Clarity. Be clear with your people and your priorities about what is possible and what is going to have to pause. You don't need to apologize for doing this triage - it's the adult, professional thing to do. 

Are you currently in the beforehand, the during or the after? Or... yes, all that? Hit reply and tell me. 

All my best,

Dr. G