Einstein’s question
One of the biggest adjustments to leaving a company, is the instant loss of daily interactions you have each day. From the hundreds of weekly emails, documents and spreadsheets as well as dozens of virtual/in-person meetings, to being a solo writer often alone in my living room, it’s a change in pace I am acclimatising to… and slowly relishing. I’m seeing these few weeks an opportunity to really focus my creative energy and empower myself to choose how I spend my time while I set up my new patterns, connections and social groups.
I’ve never felt quite this vulnerable. The freedom and uncertainty of each day is new to me. Some days, the words flow easier than most. Other days, it’s what I would deem a scattered mess and I feel restless and frustrated. However, each moment I sit in front of my screen, I feel validated by the decision to choose something that makes me feel these roller coaster of emotions and has opened up opportunities to connect with so many people in a deeper way. Without the instant network of colleagues and friends at work, talking to people has given me a gentle reminder about the huge variety of paths people take in life, and what unexpected surprises life sometimes throws at them… Facing them with resilience and fighting human spirit. Much like the excitement and lack of inhibition that comes from travelling, with the change in scenery I’m meeting such a variety of people that are giving me the gift of feeling the spark for life being reignited.
One of the hardest obstacles to self managing your day, is putting yourself out there to connect with different people. On Tuesday, I attended a great event called “The Story Room”. It is a monthly meet-up, where up to six people from all walks of life, share a story with the audience. It’s the second one I’ve attended and the speakers have ranged from an ex-Army lieutenants, to a failed news anchors (now a successful writer), to a lesbian-ex-Jehovan’s-witness comedian (that was a good one!). It was a great reminder of the colourful lives we all live and that we ALL have a unique story to tell. We are but one question away from finding out interesting things about strangers we pass on the streets or sit next to on the bus. The mental obstacle of feeling awkward, or like an imposter may be part of my (and maybe your?) experience, but I’m consciously not allowing it to stop me from meeting new people. The richness of experience excites me to no end.
One of the speakers on Tuesday, talked about the connection of our mindset to the experiences we have in life. He quoted Einstein, who said that “The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or a hostile universe”. At first, it can sound so ambiguous and futile, but in this seemingly simple decision lies the clues to what our future holds. If we think the universe is a hostile place, we may act to protect our own possessions, use our resources sparingly and intentionally keep an in-and-out group mentally. We may be forever be limited in our understanding and appreciation of others. However if we believe the world is a friendly place, we are more likely to use our resources generously, act in a way that creates safe communities and use vulnerability to collaborate in exciting ways. We could work to bridge differences and understanding.
I’ve been lucky enough to meet some incredible, generous and genuine people in my life so far. While life and the people you meet aren’t always sunshine and peaches, I choose to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and know everyone is just trying their best with what they have. I know my outlook on Einstein’s question. Where do you stand and how do you think it’s impacted your life so far?
