The room bright

Penning words in my journal

Figuring my thoughts

Desire

The subconscious

Where would it lead me? I don’t know

I do it in hopes that I can thrive

I hope

It’s been a while since I last posted.

I hope you all been well.

In times of uncertainty, it is possible to envision and strive for a different situation.

This, in fact, is how everything around us is created.

As we encounter new challenges, we learn, brainstorm, make adjustments, and reach a new milestone. It is an energizing, upward cycle.

But when, if we don’t hit those milestones, this energy can run out. It is not something that can be easily restored through exercise, diet and sleep.

At such times, it may be necessary to take a retreat or an extended vacation.

Hope requires energy.

Networking has a bad reputation. It starts when we enter our work life. We need things, so we form relationships hoping to get something in the future.

Connecting, on the other hand, was never taught. To see someone for who they are, where they’ve been and where they are going. To read the emotional weather. To look beyond someone’s value for you.

When we want to connect, we avoid LinkedIn and talking about work. We talk about other stuff. Relationship, feelings and weekend adventures.

But, work is an important pillar of our life. To know what someone is gifted at, helping them succeed at it.

Of course, it’s an art and skill. To navigate connection, while talking about work. It starts with intention and is layered with curious questions, gentle requests and a generosity to contribute.

The best kind of networking is connecting. And the worst kind of connecting, is networking.

You’ll make mistakes and people will misunderstand you. That’s part of it.

I hope you don’t wait around for too long.

The world is filled with lonely people waiting for you to make the first move.

Driving is tiring, but why?

Zoom is tiring, why?

We hardly move our bodies. And we are in the best climate.

When we fill our days with meetings and activities, sooner or later, after a string of meetings, we show up with half the energy.

We are there, but we are not there.

True listening requires energy. Synthesizing requires energy. Good decision-making requires energy.

More and more so, tools are created (AI) to help us with routine tasks and chores. Things that are valuable are becoming creative human work. Decisions, organising and caring.

I wonder if productivity needs a new name. Say, energy management?

Liberty, a funny word. The state of being free within society from law or rules.

Yet…

The quietness of your sleep can be ruined by a party too loud.

The late-night commute feels differently when you are anticipating a serial rapist around the corner.

Or, consider your hard-earned reputation to be ruined by deep fake or unfounded opinions.

We ask, why can’t we have more freedom?

When in fact, freedom comes with responsibility.

If you are willing to take on the weight of a well-cared-for community, that is the day you understand what freedom means.

It’s true that being non-judgemental fosters trust and vulnerability.

The intention is right. It is to create conditions that allow people to be comfortable expressing themselves.

However, if you are showing a poker face (to be professional) and expecting the person opposite you to share their vulnerable moments, this won’t work.

You are demonstrating the opposite of humanity and vulnerability and trust.

Here 3 things to share your judgments and foster trust.

1. My judgments are my judgments.
2. It is more about me than about you.
3. I will not assume my judgment is right. I will question them.

Safe space should not be a judgment-free zone. Instead, judgments are welcomed, as it’s part of the human experience. Own it lightly. Question its validity.

To better safe spaces

I experience first hand. Joy, not expressed causes all sorts of trouble.

A kind of scatterness leading to impulse buying, over-committing or gluttony.

This energy becomes a distraction from focusing on a task or deeply listening to someone.

And of course, sharing joy at the wrong moment can come off as narcissistic.

Causing missed opportunities for connection and trust. Worse, denial.

As we socialize into this culture, joy is hard enough to find, even with all the leverage, assets and privileges we’ve got.

Let’s skip these traps of joy. Name it, celebrate it and don’t let it get in the way.

This interview, with a 2xYC-backed founder who exited inspired me to write this.

“hey. I’m feeling down these days. If you remember something that I’ve said or done that has positively impacted you, I welcome your sharing. I will cherish and savor your words during these challenging times.”

Reassurance is futile, but sometimes we need to get through the now before a chance at the long haul.

(Thank you Mattan for your vulnerability and openness)