By Gail B. Goldspiel
Last month, as a board we decided to focus on health and wellness, mindfulness and what we can all do to be our best selves possible. This month, given everything going on in the world, we decided to extend that theme and continue to generate content on wellness through the lens of navigating change.
At its core, change is a rather intriguing concept. It’s scary, difficult, uncertain and yet simultaneously, it's only through all of these pathways that transformation and growth occur. We live in an uncertain world right now, on a big societal level and for ourselves, personally. Many of us, myself included, have become unemployed and in so doing, have hopefully had more time to reflect. Gayathri Balasundar, an empowering career coach who will be hosting a webinar with us on July 21, spoke about reflection and the art of navigating change in a recent conversation I had with her. “One thing that’s for sure,” she emphasized, “is that no one is sure about a lot right now and mental health is key. The opposite of uncertainty is not productivity, it’s prioritatization. Rather than going on autopilot and keeping busy, it’s an opportunity to reflect and focus on what matters most.”
And I couldn’t agree with her more. As someone who has always made myself extremely busy and occupied with events, panels and programs during the week, quarantine has reminded me of the true importance of slowing down, dwelling in the moment and re-learning the ways in which I feel most inspired, connected and creative. (Hence how this blog post happened) I’ve found myself thinking back to my studies to become a museum educator where we learned to emphasize the importance of stopping to pause and dwell in front of artwork, to really experience it, be with it, and reflect. For, it is only when we pause to be truly present, that we can set ourselves up to take giant leaps forward.
So now, here we are. Today, we are in an uncertain time where everything is in flux and constantly changing. But if we just all pause, think deeply and reflect, we can embrace change together and watch ourselves grow and transform. For me, that has meant stopping to think about my writing practice and where I want it to be. It has also meant having extra time to enhance and grow my relationships, both with my friends, my family, myself and my soon to be husband. (Kudos to all fellow brides planning a wedding in the time of Corona.) And on a bigger level, our extra time filled with uncertainty, has hopefully allowed us to reflect on our place in the world and our society as a whole, and how we can all make a difference.
I will leave you with a selection of words of inspiration that I hope move, empower and inspire. If anything, like they did for me, may they provide a brief moment of reflection and pause. And, more than anything else, hope.
“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you…never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” --Harriet Beecher Stowe
“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” --Ella Fitzgerald
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” --Paulo Coelho
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” --Jane Goodall
“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” --Amy March, Little Women
Related Resources and Upcoming Events
July 21st - Embracing Change to Connect With Your Purpose: Join YNPN-NYC and career coach Gayathri Balasundar for a zoom workshop on how to navigate change during uncertain times and why having a clear message is key to forming meaningful networks, progressing with more focus, and finding fulfillment both personally and professionally.
More quotes can be found at https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/2017/personal-growth-quotes
Career Contessa Podcast: Free podcasts on everything relating to career growth and advancement.
Gotham Writers Workshop: Free Friday Write-Ins: An excellent way to channel creativity and self-expression.
Mindful is a mission-driven non-profit dedicated to inspiring, guiding, and connecting anyone who wants to explore mindfulness—to enjoy better health, more caring relationships, and a compassionate society.
General Assembly: The popular tech school in NYC is offering many free courses and webinars. Here are some upcoming ones relating to personal and professional growth.