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Dear friends,
Summer is right around the corner, and I can’t wait for life to slow down just for a little while. Somehow we are still here, five months into a very challenging year. I’ve alluded several times to a grant that has loomed too large over this entire academic year, and I am glad to say it has finally been submitted.
For the first time I can remember, even after pressing “submit” on a grant application, I felt completely spent. I love our work, and I usually jump straight from a grant submission to the next awesome project or idea. This is the first time I feel like I have absolutely nothing left in the tank. I honestly did not even know what I would write to all of you this month.
I decided to use my most fundamental superpower, which is asking for and listening to advice. A brilliant colleague, an superstar academic leader with a packed life outside of work, talked with me about how she is keeping afloat and being a supportive leader in our current climate. Today I am sharing what I learned from her.
First, she quoted one of my favorite sayings, “joy is an act of resistance.” (from the poet Toi Derricotte). I really needed the reminder that it is not only acceptable, but necessary, to seek joy during dark times. I hope you all remember that too.
Second, she said that she is offering her students and staff as much praise as possible right now. I love this idea, and I am going to put more specific and sincere positivity into my work environment. We all work with amazing people, and sometimes we forget to express how much we appreciate them.
Third, remember that small acts of resistance matter. My wise colleague has archived a number of datasets that have been taken down from public websites. She’s shared them with her networks across the country. We can all find activities like that, which may not be newsworthy or all-encompassing, but can still chip away at the current efforts to undermine our work.
My big lesson for the month is that when you need inspiration, ask a friend. I ran into my colleague at our department’s annual spring dinner. I hadn’t planned to share my angst with her, but in the moment I chose honest conversation instead of small talk. Our spontaneous twenty-minute conversation uplifted me tremendously.
Please drop me a line and tell me what great advice you get from your friends. Please share widely, as usual, and let others know they can sign up here.
Warmly,
Urmimala