July 6, 2020

Friends, Boss Babes, Warriors, In Boston this week, we are stepping out into Phase 3 liberties, no promises for the future and no long term solutions in sight. So we adapt, and keep adapting. And my respect for the resilience of humanity increases directly in proportion to the hyper relevance of the content coming across my newsfeed as the whole world finds a way to pivot and stay afloat. You know who’s not staying afloat, though? Primary caregivers (cough: mothers). There seems to be plenty of advice about how to keep your children entertained, how to talk to your child about Covid, how to build a routine, but moms, HOW CAN WE HELP???

I’ve appreciated the reminders we’ve had over the last couple of months that this is not your average summer vacation. To have patience toward ourselves and others. To manage your emphasis on and expectations of productivity (your own and others), while everyone struggles through uncertainty, and some through loss, and change, isolation, extreme anxiety, 150% workload increase (especially for our parents and business owners out there), financial stressors, and more. A reminder about ultradian rythmns: 90 minute/20 minute concentration/play or relaxation periods is helping me get back my flow, (not wholly disconnected to the concepts of unleashing creativity from John Cleese), while my sister in law posted this thought provoking reminder that self-care is also the work of living.

Finally, as you work your way through our June book, The Empathy Exams, be reminded of Socrates enigmatic (and IMO wisely humble) claim “I neither know, nor think that I know,” as we set aside preconceptions and misconceptions, and create space to listen. To understand. While we are working in that feminine strength of empathy, it doesn't hurt to be reminded that the other piece of the puzzle is normalizing male vulnerability. Here’s an oldie but goodie from Justin Baldoni, you’re welcome.

“The World of Humanity is possessed of two wings: the [feminine] and [masculine]. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly.” Adbu’l Bahá

See you next week @ virtual BOSLady! Happy 2nd birthday to us! Catherine