Turning fear and anger into action

I have never thought of myself as a big worrier or an overly fearful person.

But lately—I’m scared just living my daily life.

I am scared about what I see in the news. I’m scared when my kids leave the house. I’m worried about the economy. There is just so. damn. much. happening. these days.

It’s hard to look away.

And it’s hard to show up every day and do your best at work.

How can we be bright and shiny and hardworking and positive all the time when just living creates so much stress?

Really since the start of the pandemic, I have been combatting a dull hopeless feeling that lives in the back of my mind. I think it’s really just a lack of control over so much that’s happening in the world.

Are you feeling the same?

Here’s what I’ve found:

The best way to overcome fear is to act.

And it’s possible to turn your fear and anger into something good.

Taking action can feel overwhelming. What can one person really do to make change when so much is going wrong?

First, it’s important to consider what kind of action is within your means and bandwidth. You aren’t going to save the world’s problems in one day, but small daily actions can make a big impact.

Second, decide what those daily actions are. What can you personally do to make the world a better place for you, your friends and family, and those around you? Think in terms of small monthly donations, volunteer time, etc.

Please make sure that education is a big part of your daily actions. We will never understand each other until we spend time getting to know people (and their stories and experiences) that live outside of our immediate environment.

Third, don’t forget to ask your employer for help, or if you’re the employer—it’s time to dig in. Don’t be that company acting like life is normal and avoiding the issues. It doesn’t serve you and it doesn’t serve your team.

We talk a lot about mental health at work, volunteer together/provide volunteer PTO, share resources, offer medical travel reimbursement, and more. Perhaps MOST importantly, our policies are flexible and made to serve our team, not just the shareholders.

Leaders have to realize that everyone is human, and humans are going through it right now. Let’s act accordingly.

And remember: it costs us nothing to simply be kind.

❤️

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