Hi, Subscribers. This blog uses the power of Play to guide our daily lives. Play can help you grow personally and professionally and helps to power up your creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being. Let’s set ourselves up for success and inspiration, and remember to find joy in every step of our development.
It’s time for an accountability check-in. I did my five-minute tasks for six out of seven days. I think I’m getting to the harder emotional things to process, but that’s okay because I only have to deal with them for five minutes at a time. I could also include digital decluttering because my computer is crying about space. I also tried out some computer art. Paint is not cutting it, but I know that I prefer the watercolor brush versus the oil brush. I also got to do my favorite part of my day job this week and love making an ImpAct. It was also really nice to see old friends and enjoy my niece and nephew’s piano recital. I am thankful for the providence of finding a perfect mango on my morning walk. What were your wins?
This week, I’m continuing with THE LINEAGES OF CHANGE TAROT, Copyright © Lineages of Change (Adrienne maree brown, LLC; Alta Starr; chelsea cleveland; and Krista Franklin).
What is happening? We begin with the Seven of Fire. What came to mind for me was reflection. The deck's author associated this card with facing challenges. When I looked up the traditional portrayal of this card, it is a person fending off attacks from other wands. Perhaps the person is preparing themselves mentally to meet the challenge. I attended my niece and nephew's piano recital yesterday. Each child took a moment to prepare themselves before they touched a single key on the piano. Going to work can be a daily struggle. How can we communicate effectively as leaders? What do we do when there is conflict? I enjoy preparing for the week ahead by writing this blog.
What is the challenge? We do not exist in a vacuum. Like the people in the card, we are interconnected. Our intent may not yield the desired outcomes, as our impact may be significantly different from what is intended. I used to double down when confronted. This was probably due to low self-esteem. If I were wrong, then I had no worth. I took a challenge as a personal affront. I'll never forget the advice from a co-worker who knew about a new leader we had incoming. They will ask a lot of questions because they are trying to learn. I also grew up in a household where a child challenging a parent resulted in being shut down. The Mutha of Water does not demand that we "respect my authority" a la South Park's Cartman. The figures are looking deep into each other's eyes like a soul gaze. The challenge is understanding where the other person is coming from while also having all parties be held accountable.
What can help? The Eight of Air reversed reminds me of Pandora's box. When we air our grievances, they are not going back inside the box. I've had my fair share of feedback. It's been a process to receive developmental feedback. The old me would have honestly been crying in my car, ruminating on the unfairness of it all. I still often want to take all my toys and go home some days. When I sit and reflect on what was said, I usually find growth opportunities. The message can be messy and not perfectly delivered, but it does not mean there is no truth. The messenger may have work to do on themselves. They have their journey, and I have mine. When my husband told me that the world revolved around me, I took it to heart. Admitting that I can be selfish at times was not the end of the world. It did not lessen my strengths. I am still selfish. Being aware of that keeps me vigilant so that the thoughts don't manifest into actions. Rip off the band-aid and get the pus out.
What is a next step? Our cups are overflowing with the 10 of Waters. This is usually a happy family under a rainbow in traditional tarot. The authors of this deck emphasize the importance of home and belonging. I prefer not to mix work with home life, as I like to keep them separate. I do want to create a sense of belonging with others. When you visit someone's home, you don't go poking around in their bedroom. They welcome you and share hospitality, but there are boundaries. I'm pretty open when I write my blog, but I have not told you all everything ;) We have to respect other people’s boundaries. Their house, their rules. Truly listening and hearing what we say to each other is a first step. When I discipline my kids, they still know that they are loved and belong. We need to continue to practice accountability to ourselves and others. Namaste.
What would you do with an hour to yourself? Maybe you would have the headspace to journal about that last argument? Maybe you would simply be. If you are local to South Florida, there are still spots for my Disconnect from the World; Reconnect with Yourself event.
If you want to infuse more play into your life to navigate the challenges, my current offerings are listed on my Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/thingstothinkabout. I also urge you to share your experiences and strategies with the community. Your voice is valuable to this journey, and your unique path can inspire others.
Picture Descriptions: Seven of Earth. A face with white dots painted under the closed eyes. There are many metallic black necklaces around the neck and colorful orange, yellow, and blue beads hanging on the chest. The Mutha of Water reversed: Two pink translucent figures in a soul gaze. They are sitting on their heels and connected by their knees. You can see their skeletons. There is a blue light connecting spiritual hands, and a three-chained fleur-de-lis dangles. Eight of Air: A transparent box containing many blue heads with smoky pink hair. All the smaller heads appear to be connected to form one larger head. Ten of Water: A Black Woman with an Afro and an orange and turquoise print sits calmly holding an overflowing bowl of water. A crow is perched on her shoulder, and trees and the sun are in the background.
