the space was too full 🫣

As you probably know, last week was Martin Luther King, Jr. day here in the United States.  How did you experience, reflect on, or engage with the values and vision he shared?  

Did you watch, read, or talk about something that reminded you of why you show up for social justice? 💡 

Did you make room to connect with and respond to the pain and suffering (of yourself or others) caused by exclusion, hate, and fear? 💔 

Did you celebrate the joy, compassion, and connection in your life with others who continue to progress his vision of the future? 🥳

In addition to watching a few impressively crafted and acted movies (Till, The Woman King, Southside With You - each very different, and all recommended!), I had the pleasure and honor of attending and presenting at the Equity 2023: Equity is Love in Action conference.

In all sincerity, let me say, it was incredibly inspiring to attend so many impressive presentations and hear about the incredible work being done to create equity in the California education system. 

It was especially powerful to be in a space with over a thousand people who approach their work to serve perpetually under-appreciated and underestimated students with love at the center!  

My eyes filled with tears as I sat in the opening remarks and observed the room filling with people of all sizes, shapes, and colors sitting side by side for this purpose.  

My session, Self-Compassion: The Catalyst to Greater Social Impact was scheduled immediately after the opening keynote, so I honestly wasn't sure what to expect.  I knew only the space of the room, and that the advance registration for the session had maxed out at the number of seats available.

If there is any wonder about the emotional labor of work focused on equity, and the need to care for and support those who are carrying the burdens of change and injustice, the attendance at my presentation proved the point.

(And, since attendees there did not already know me, the attendance can be solely credited to resonance with the topic itself!) 🌈

The room was full - standing room only - from the beginning.  (Perhaps I should also express my appreciation that attendees remained active and engaged through the end as well!)  😂

During the following days, I met other attendees who shared that they'd tried to attend my presentation... and been turned away at the door. 

The space was too full.

Isn't that an ironic metaphor?  

The need for self-compassion as a part of social impact work is so great...and the space for it is perpetually too small.

How does this show up for you?

❤️‍🩹 How much space do you have in your life for self-compassion?  

❤️‍🩹 What do you do when the need and interest is so great, and the space available is too small?

❤️‍🩹 How can you develop a bigger space to accommodate the tremendous emotional labor involved in showing up sustainably to perpetuate social justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging?

There are so many tools and techniques that can support wellbeing as you continue to show up with love in action for the people and communities around you...and yet it's hard to feel the benefits when the "space" is too crowded to fit in.  

My hope for you this week is that the legacy of Martin Luther King's values are staying with you beyond the holiday itself...and that you will enhance and empower your impact by committing to the space you need (and absolutely deserve!) for self-compassion along the way.

It's imperative.  Especially because...

You matter.  You can make a difference.  And, I'm so thankful you're here.