There’s this somewhat stressy feeling I notice that seems to be “caused” by an expectation to keep these newsletters going. Fortunate as I Am to be navigating an unconventional but OH SO RICH “set of analog circumstances,” I’m losing track of producing/publishing/posting. Focusing on what the personality might be deeming more important. Or easy. Plus time with loved ones. Exercise. Eating. And there’s also… my work. Which, lucky for me, often doesn’t feel like work. Not saying it’s always fun. Sometimes I’d say it feels more like “a practice field.” All I have to do is remember to view it that way. Intentionally. Again and again.

What might an intention to make my work truly meaningful look like? Can I shift the purpose of my job such that I view relating to everyone associated with a project - including the reactions and thoughts that seem to be “mine” – with Grace? And: Can I see this intention as the most important way to spend time?

~ The colleague who isn’t returning my email. I notice a certain color of reactivity: Thoughts and feelings. I watch it with welcome. I remember it’s not about that neglect. I ask “where do I neglect others”? This changes the whole freakin’ tune, yo.

~ I am on a Zoom and a client who’s usually the picture of calm, gets triggered about something that I and my team think is no big deal. I start to defend, and notice judgments, but then turn so flippin’ glad cuz I remember that he is me. I do that shit all the time. And have for decades. He probably got puked on by his three year old this morning. I view my judgment of this person with grace. AKA: I don’t judge myself for judging.

~ “Wow that person is so fidgety and go go go, what are they running from?” “When did everyone on become so freaking unaware?” >>> “What am I running from, distracting myself from looking at with Grace?” “Where am I being so unaware and inconsiderate?” ETC. Keep *doing this. *And be light with yourself when you’re not.

If I can use all the interactions via my projects as a way to watch “my own” personality traits - with no label or judgment - I’m more apt to view all seemingly “other” personality constructs similarly. And a big F yes to that, right? Phew.

Of course this intention to “extend the G” applies beyond work, too. It’s applicable to all interactions. Family. Friends. When getting groceries. Talking to your mechanic. Thanking the Amazon driver. Because it’s always about what’s going on inside, reflected in “others.”

Brick & Mortar Work Tip 708: If you work in a common space around folks who are focused on creation, keep in mind that some can be easily distracted by sounds. So: That cellophane snack bag? Please. Stop. Reaching. Into. It. Over. And. Over. Pour that shit in a bowl and chew like a sloth. Or a spider.

“We” at IFA have been enjoying a lucrative year. With a particularly exciting continued relationship with Good Fortune Collective as the foundation. Plus additional projects that are ongoing, repeating, and brewing (you know who you are) it’s just feeling super lucky over here.