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Dear Friends,
I’m late in writing to you again this month, but you have been on my mind. I had planned on writing this email about how to build a great team, and I have changed my mind. We’ll save that for November. All of you who I see on a regular basis have been shaken by the news cycle, and I have had enough conversations about how to balance our obligations as engaged citizens with our professional and personal imperatives that it’s time to talk about it. Usually, I try to advise you from my own experience. In this case, I don’t have any answers. I have been looking around and seeing what strategies seem to be keeping my friends, colleagues, and peers afloat. I’d welcome your thoughts and I will send around any additional insights you share with me.
Connect with others. It’s been so helpful to me to spend a couple of minutes at each meeting acknowledging what we’re all going through with the Kavanaugh testimony. Many of my colleagues are struggling, and it’s important to meet people where they are. I have been giving more hugs at work than usual, and bringing more snacks. I think it’s helping.
Disconnect! Stop refreshing your social media feeds and peeking at the New York Times website. The news will find its way to you. One more angry commentary or horrific image is unlikely to contribute to your life/ state of mind.
Don’t be Switzerland. If you don’t live in a bubble the way we Bay Area people do, you might encounter someone who doesn’t agree with you. You can offer to explain your feelings with love, or simply state that you disagree and change the subject. I don’t suggest a Facebook confrontation, but whatever you do, don’t stay silent. Your unspoken sentiments will haunt you.
Take action! Go to a vigil, sign a petition, make a donation, whatever feels right to you. Nothing you do with intention is futile.
Put your head in the sand. Do something that is not related to work or family, that puts you in a state of flow and calm. Run, knit, sing, read, you know what works for you. I promise your work and your life will be better for it.
Be kind to yourself. You do not have to have optimal productivity when our world seems to be swinging out of control. Meet your own and your loved ones’ needs, and the work will be there when you are ready.
Remember why you do this work. We are in science to improve health equity, health, and the human condition. It can seem trivial to focus on revising a paper when the American dream seems on the verge of collapse, but your work matters. If you put your best into the world, it truly helps.
To all of you, please keep in touch, and know that I am always sending encouragement and admiration your way.
Warmly,
Urmimala