Ignorance is bliss

I spoke about this in an earlier blog but I wanted to elaborate. I have said and thought a lot of ignorant things in my life. And I feel a lot of shame for ever thinking those things or speaking them into existence. Now on the level of ignorance, I’ve still always been pretty aware. But it’s important to acknowledge that I’ve said and thought things that are wrong and socially or politically unaware.

Why is this worth two blog posts? Because right now society exists in a place of us vs them. We are in constant competition to say what is right and what is wrong and who can be the most woke. There is so much shame around anyone who has ever thought something that is ignorant that I think many people live in fear of speaking up. That is not how we create a better world moving forward.

America is fucked up right now. Truly, I’m not sure how to sugarcoat that or say it in a better way. We rip children from their families. We are killing innocent black men at an alarming rate. Women’s rights are being stripped every single day. Hate is everywhere. And our President is the biggest proponent of this.

I’m all for standing up and saying what you believe is wrong. If you believe in hate, racism, sexism - general bigotry - you need to be called out on that. It is not ok to push these agendas.

Here’s where I disagree with some liberal agendas - shaming people for what they believe. In order to affect change, we have got to say you’re wrong and this is why. And we have to listen. Really sit down and listen and have open nonjudgmental conversations with people.

I am able to be more open and aware because I had people who allowed me safe spaces for questions. I openly spoke my ignorance into those safe spaces and instead of being shamed, I was given patience and guidance to a new perspective. Because those people shared their stories in such a comforting environment, I was able to form new opinions on my own based on hearing other experiences.

Politics and social issues are not a competition between two teams to be won and lost. Everyone continues to lose if we continue to operate the way we are. It’s not a game. Human lives have been lost. More lives are at risk. We need to do everything we can to encourage change as best we can through open and safe environments. The more we create a culture of fear, the longer we will live in this state of ugly. And I am so sick and heartbroken by the ugly I see around me.

I have believed ignorant things. I will probably believe more ignorant things again. I am not a bad person. I’m a better person because I’m willing to learn and grow and become a better member of society through safe spaces.

It’s also really important to me to be a safe space for anyone who needs one. If you have questions/comments or need someone to talk with, please know that I am here for you. If you’re open to growth and being more aware and empathetic, I’m here to help you however I can on that journey.

Career Corner - Part Whatever

It's been a hot minute since I did a piece in our career corner. Today I want to address career education and growth. As we get further in our career, I think its easy to drop off on the focus on learning. We become somewhat experts in our field and bank on the experience we have. The thing is, our industries and the work environment as a whole change so frequently that if you don't spend time seeking out education, you're not going to gain opportunities you otherwise might.

Recently, I've noticed that I've fallen victim to not making time to learn and grow and I absolutely believe it's hurt me as a professional. I refuse to become stale so I'm making a change and getting back into my routine of growing and learning.

First things first, I'm looking at what my company can offer me free. Because free is the best price and a company who offers free continuing education is a company committed to its employees. My company is heavily invested in growth. Through online classes and in person seminars, we are given the opportunity to learn about technical skills as well as industry specific creative trends. I'm making time to attend these.

Next, I'm taking advantage of the talent around me. I'm surrounded by people in various levels of their career and I'm scheduling time to pick their brains. I meet with the younger employees and ask what's new and trendy. I'm sitting with the seasoned vets to ask what they do as leaders in our company. In brainstorms I'm making sure we've got a plan to guide us to the most successful new ideas. I'm listening to every idea and I'm encouraging everyone to participate. The best ideas come from the most unexpected places and every brainstorm should welcome even the wildest ideas. No shaming, no dumb ideas.

I'm a also a big researcher. I'm literally using google to find out what others in my field are doing. I'm walking the streets/halls/courts to see what other brands are doing. I'm calling contacts and asking what the latest technology is. I'm engaging with consumers and attendees to ask what they like/don't like about what we do. I'm open to feedback and I'm interested in what I've never seen or done. And I'm constantly looking at how I can make those things just a little bit different or better.

Lastly, I'm investing in areas that I know I need improvement. Whether than be a conference, training, or book - I'm spending money to make me a better employee or candidate for a future company. If you don't invest in your skills, how do you expect to be invested in?

The consistent in the working world is that everyone wants the dream job and that job is few and far between. A lot of us are qualified. A lot of us are the perfect candidate or employee. But unless you're expanding your knowledge and what you bring to the table, you're falling behind. And don't give me the I'm too busy crap. We are all busy. Time is a choice. Make time to learn and be better. If you don't someone else will, and that person will get the dream job and they'll keep it because they refuse to become stagnant.

Travel is a Drug.

Whether I'm traveling for work or for play - I feel alive once I step off that airplane into a new city.  I could be in Kansas City or Belize City, I love the feeling of the unknown and the unfamiliar.  Travel gives me an opportunity to learn, explore, and grow - and each and every time - I get all the feels.

I've been all over this great country of ours.  From Sacramento to NYC to Milwaukee, Nashville, Laramie, and everywhere in between.  I love learning about the culture and community that makes America such a diverse nation.  I eat local, I drink local, I hike local - I live local. 

And recently - I've gotten back to taking my travel high global.  I've spent time all over Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.  But shockingly - I've never been anywhere else!  Not Europe, not Asia, not Africa!  And it's about time that changes. 

America is amazing - I love America so very much - but I need to learn to be a citizen of the world.  And as someone who values the differences each culture provides this giant melting pot - I can't wait to grow my knowledge of the people around me.

Traveling gives me a high nothing else provides.  I get butterflies when I'm about to go somewhere I've never been before.  I am humbled by the people I meet, the food I taste, the museums I explore.  And as long as I live, the greatest gift I'll ever give myself, is the ability to travel.

Next up? Europe.  I've got a really good feeling it's going to become my next addiction...

#SparkleOn