We Could All Use A Little Change
Food for Thought
Two weeks ago, we wrote about the importance of seeking discomfort. Doing so pushes you to grow outside of your comfort zone and makes you more resilient to adversity and more empathetic to the plight of other people.
But sitting in that discomfort is merely a first step to realizing the benefits of exposure to it. We need to then seek to change in accordance with what discomfort has taught us if we're to grow past it.
It can be easy for many—us especially—to sit too long in the disappointment that discomfort brings. Don't get us wrong: it's important to let yourself feel sadness over your expectations not being met. We're only human, after all. But how can these moments of discomfort challenge us to change into better people?
Do you have fewer chances to meet up with others in-person? Technology makes it easier for us to reach out to even more people more often without having to think about the logistics of getting reservations, sorting out food preferences, or dressing up. You have fewer excuses to say hello.
Can't go to your favorite restaurant? There's an opportunity for you to learn how to cook your favorite dishes from the place. Your (underwhelming) initial attempts will make you appreciate just how well that restaurant prepares the dish, and if you continue to practice, teach you that you don't need someone else to help you make something delicious.
Not feeling your current job? If you have time, you can learn a new skill in hopes of moving you into something that makes you more fulfilled.
It's true that times are uncertain and that there's chaos all around us. But in chaos lies opportunity. It's up to us to see it as such and be the change we wish to see, in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.
Better Together
If it’s been a hard week (or last couple of weeks for you), please feel encouraged to fill out our weekly connection card (anonymously, if you prefer) so we can keep you and your loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. We read every submission, and reach out to connect when it’s appropriate. Either way, you’ll be in our hearts.
Soundtrack
“Changes” by 2Pac feat. Talent
Pac was a modern prophet. In this classic, he reminds us of the need for change and our role in making it a reality. Unfortunately, much of what he rapped about in this classic still rings true. But it’s also true that it’s up to us.
“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke, a legend in soul music, reminds us that hope is the seed for change. It can feel like a long time comin’, but know that a change gonna come.
So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the backstreets?
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow
Come on. You know we had to include the song we allude to in the headline.
For the full list of songs included in our newsletters, click here.
As always, please keep in touch! We’re so lucky to have seen so many of you in the months since we’ve returned, and we hope to keep seeing even more of you with each passing week. If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and are open to a socially distant hangout, just holler! And, don’t hesitate to shoot us emails, texts, chats, or video invitations—you’re all the best part of our days!
Love,
Jen & Jay