Like you, I just wanted to return to work last week and have a “normal” week. Too much to ask? I guess so… Because as we tackled a bunch of things that don’t really matter, fires ravaged our friends in California, snow shut down Nashville (no comparison, just an inconvenience), the TikTokalypse loomed upon us, Meta made strong proclamations, and politicians continued being politicians. But in the midst of pandemic-level Zoom requests and “regular” business feeling heavier than usual for no apparent reason, I took the time to walk in the snow with my son. I attended one of the best weddings ever, and I enjoyed myself. Why is that important? It’s important because I wouldn’t have done that a couple of years ago.

I can’t help but recognize the feelings I am surrounded by. Familiar feelings, right? As I said around the office, the vibe is COVID-y. In these circumstances, people usually mean well and want to help spread the word about resources. Unfortunately, the faucet of performative posts and the perceived urgency to post quickly, instead of correctly or with heart, was not turned off. It trickled through! I’ll take a win where I can get it. The apex predatory nature of the internet already has scams galore, so I urge you, in the next few days, even though it feels good to share “good” news, to be aware that even that side of the internet has inaccuracies. Source your shares, my friends.

Feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and survivor guilt popped up for me and for us professionally, creating a sense of loss of control. Prior to cancer and COVID, I’d bury those feelings… shake it off and put on a good face. But now, I sit in those feelings and connect with my friends to see how they are doing and how they are getting by. I do a lot of that connecting on social media and via text. I am grateful for technology, especially in difficult times.

Here’s what I know now… If you took a walk with your son in the snow, it doesn’t mean you aren’t desperately worried about your friends in California. If you attended a wedding and put your phone away to enjoy it, despite knowing you’d receive 109 text messages, it doesn’t mean you aren’t available. The damn airplane analogy of putting on your own oxygen mask first is annoyingly accurate.

If you know me, you know I’m not exactly a “self-care girlie.” I don’t run around the office talking about my feelings. But, a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have taken the walk, and I might not have chosen to attend a wedding. (And if I had gone, I would have been on my phone and not present.) I didn’t ignore what was happening in the world to take a walk and to celebrate Lindsey and Dillon, but I have stopped living to do the death scroll. I do what I need to do to be strong for my family, my team, and my clients. And as for the things that are in my control, I try to handle them with calmness and strategy. I don’t always succeed, but I try.

Be good… online and in real life,
Jennie