Taking inventory of the small steps
For many of us, we have welcomed 2022 as we ushered out 2021. We are navigating exacerbated stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing a collective sense of prolonged uncertainty and discomfort. The weather twists and turns of mother nature demand a path of reverence, cautiousness, and stillness. And we are constantly reminded to make today the best we can. The notion of planning and being prepared, especially for an organizer and planner like myself, continues to be a fleeting target.
And, somehow, some way, those of us who are blessed to still be here alive - physically and spiritually, and are finding great strength in gratitude and in love. Life continues to go on and despite the challenges, there is important thinking, work, connection, and triumphs that are peaking out underneath the dust of despair.
In January, Forward Movement Consulting, turned six years old. I have been so consumed with the unpredictable daily routine (can I still call it routine if it’s so unpredictable?), that this celebratory moment slipped my mind. I began to get a few notifications from friends and colleagues via text and LinkedIn congratulating me on my anniversary. Then, I realized that I must not forget any moment of celebration, particularly the signs of movement forward - not backwards.
So much of the work I am privileged to support is clouded by an overwhelming feeling of both fear and uncertainty that our country’s laws, discourse, practices, and organizations where we work are moving backwards and not towards the progress we seek. And everyday, my work reminds me that the conflict, the challenges, and the hard work we are all doing helps to ensure that everyone’s voices are included in how we keep moving forward. It constantly brings me a renewed sense that we are, in fact, making progress.
February is a time where America officially celebrates Black History and Valentines Day. Though insufficient and commercial holidays, this month has represented how much progress has been made, how much progress is yet to come, and how much love is essential through it all.
“Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” ― Martin Luther King Jr., “Where Do We Go From Here?” Sermon (1967)
- What are signs of progress that keep you in the fight?
- Do you take a daily inventory of what progress you witness?
- What are you doing to anchor love each day?