I am taking an online DEI/management course, and throughout the course, we are often asked to reflect, and be honest. I think reflection and honesty might be the two biggest, most important things any of us can do, at any time, to grow and become better versions of ourselves.
Many times we avoid reflecting, and being honest, because almost always, when you do it, you’ll notice something in you that has to change. When it comes to DEI and management, it’s so important for each individual to reflect on their biases, and be honest about their beliefs and willingness to do what must be done to create an inclusive work environment. It is important that, when people tell you their experience, you believe them, and accept that you may have played a part in creating that experience. So many times in doing this work, we run up against individuals who do not want to even look at their biases, never mind accept the reality of them and do what is necessary to change them.
I think there are many reasons for this. For example, if someone shares their bad experience, and we played a role in creating that experience, this means we must accept that we, in some way, hurt them. I believe we are all good people, and we cannot bear the thought of hurting others. So, our knee jerk is to deny it. “No way! I’m a good person! I didn’t do that to you!” But what if we could be good people AND still be humans who make mistakes and have room to grow? That’s the hard work of honesty and reflection. We are good, but goodness is a lifelong journey, not a destination, that requires us to actively participate in it every single day.
What does all this have to do with our creative project? Always reflect and remind yourself why you are doing this creative project. It is so easy to fall off track, judge it, get depressed about it, or start altering the trajectory of your life because you wrote ten pages of a novel (I’m gonna a be a star!). Next thing you know, you’re not working on your project anymore. You’ve either given up, gone back to school to start a new career, or are dreaming about million dollar multi-book deals. Trust me, I’ve done it all. But when you reflect on why you create, and are honest about that, and focus on that, your project will fill up your cups, inspire you, and give you something tangible back—a finished book, or a finished chair, or a finished song, or a finished painting. An accomplishment that you will feel very proud of.
And now, for my final. Name. That. Mood! This is my favorite one from the month. To me it means summertime. That’s all I got. Summertime, and whatever happy, lazy, sun soaked, chilled-out thing you’re doing. What do you think?
Happy end of NaNoWriMo everyone, and thanks for listening.
—MBF
NaNoWriMo+Mood Music Ep. 9