Stretch and Celebrate
During the weeks of lockdown there seemed to be a sense that we should all be using the time for ‘something new’, whether that be working remotely, learning a new language, baking, trying a different exercise etc. I’m sure many of you took the opportunity to do so but, I’ve been working from home for the last 20 years. Zoom and Webex were already very familiar and I was still working from home, so not a huge amount of extra time. That had me start to consider what’s been new for me, what have I started?
Reflecting on it made me recognise how much we’ve all been pushed out of our comfort zone in some way or another, until we have no idea as to what’s normal! From those first days of discomfort and anxiety when we wondered, “what is this new virus?” “Will it come here?” “How will I be affected?” Even now there are still many unanswered questions, yet we have learnt to live with regular changes, a degree of uncertainty and having to do ‘something new’ on a regular basis – that has become our normal.
Reflection and Recognition
So, there’s a place for reflecting on how we have managed being out of our comfort zone and also to celebrate the stretch and growth that has brought. In the early weeks there were lots of congratulations and recognitions taking place. Those seem to have waned a little and perhaps it’s time to bring them back. Take a moment to recognise the stretch and growth that has happened in your organisations and teams, as well as with the individuals within them. Whatever shape or form that stretch and growth has taken, regardless of how big or small.
For example, I now recognise I’ve used my skills navigating various remote platforms to give others those skills: explaining to older members of my community, with little IT awareness, how to set up and join Zoom – and doing that from a distance! I have noticed first-hand their willingness to get out of their own comfort zone to join a community coffee morning online that I host each Friday. I’ve been blown away by the way they have encouraged and explained to others how to join and, when I floated the thought of stopping the mornings as lock down eased, there has been an absolutely resounding no! This week we are celebrating our 15th week together, yet apart, and I will be sharing my reflection and celebration with them.
What can you celebrate?
What aspect of stretch or growth can you celebrate, however small? Why not take a moment to recognise it for yourself, in your teams and with each other? Most of all, enjoy it!
More ways to gain value from Fresh Air Fridays…
If you’re looking for more time to reflect, why not join a Breathing Space session and give yourself that moment. You can find more details here.
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