Thanksgiving, Giving, and More Giving.
It's That Time of year
Hello World - May I tell you something?
I love my life. I have never been happier. Really. Truthfully and honestly. Never. Neva.
It is a strange feeling. There is so much going on in the world to cause deep sadness and I feel all of it: Prolific mass shootings, profound racism, senseless antisemitism, Christian christian nationalism, voter suppression, the loss of democracy, etc. Yet, alongside the helplessness and grief, I find puddles of joy and even waves of hope flooding my emotions and mind - on a daily basis.
Why?
It’s simple.
As you all know, I wear two hats. First, as a facilitator, speaker and consultant, doing this writing, and consulting with open hearted leaders that are committed to social change within themselves and their organizations. My second hat is as the co-director of Compassionate Atlanta, this amazing nonprofit that responds to the asks of our communities with compassionate action.
Simply, I am living into my vocation. I am “doing the work my soul must have” as aptly put by Alice Walker. Indeed, it is a calling.
As opposed to:
Here are a couple of delightful projects I have worked on at Compassionate Atlanta this year that are impacting the world.
“The Organizational Compassion, Inclusion, and Belonging Index” which helps to measure inclusion metrics for businesses, organizations, schools, faith institutions, and municipalities. This project highlights the importance of developing compassion at the systemic level.
“The Compassionate Cities of Georgia Initiative” which allows us to support 3 rural grassroots organizations working to support better health in their historically marginalized communities.
Everyday, I wake up knowing that I am working diligently to move the needle at least 1% towards liberation and the dismantling of structures of oppression with everything that I do, both at Compassionate Atlanta and in my own business. That is a good feeling.
I have worked at crappy jobs that did not align with my values. And it sucked. It literally sucked life out of me. These days, I have pure joy that my work is meaningful. And for that I am deeply grateful. It really does not matter to me if it is this job or my own consulting practice - all of it moves the needle forward and it makes my life more meaningful. I am deeply grateful.
If you are giving today, Giving Tuesday, do consider a donation to this amazing place that has done so much to make Atlanta a better place and has also brought so much joy into my life personally. Please click below and give.
Compassionate Atlanta
Thank you for considering this today as I know you probably got 200 other emails for giving today, just like I did! Ha!