Life, oh life, oh life 👀
Issue: 06 - Small change adds up
Okay - it’s been a wild week.
I don’t know how to write this newsletter without mentioning the C-word. You know, not the old c-word. The new one. The CV one.
I mean, I don’t even need to explain, I know you know what I’m talking about.
I don’t want to mention it. I don’t wanna write about it, talk about it, read about it.
But I’m obsessed.
And I HATE that.
I’m human. It’s impacting my conversations, my business, my sanity. So I’m gonna go there, and this is my apology, my trigger warning and your license to skip this week.
But, I’ll caveat that with, this newsletter is about mindset changes that make us feel good, so don’t lose faith.
And, as an act of defiance, I’m gonna get through this whole email without writing that word.
Okay. For those of you still here, I’m gonna talk about three things…
1. Why we’re buying loo roll.
2. How in times of crisis, we’re desperate for leadership.
3. Why now is the time for us to lead (and how…)
What’s with the toilet paper?
The disappointment and shame I felt when buying a six-pack of Andrex on Monday was very real.
Disappointment: Everyone knows that Cushelle is far superior.
Shame: I needed loo roll but I was nervous that people in my local Sainsbury’s were gonna judge me. Think I was a stockpiler. And so what if I was? I know I shouldn’t care what people think.
[We all do]
But it got me thinking, what is with this whole toilet paper thing?
So obviously, I turned to Google.
We’re living through uncertain times (read: we don’t know what the fuck is going on) and we’re desperate for control. The thought of a virus makes us feel dirty, toilet roll helps us feel clean.
Buying toilet roll is a small act that’s providing comfort to many. And yes, I’ve been baffled by it. I’ve been judging people, joking about it. But now I get it, I understand the desire for control. I understand that when we’re scared, we find ways to help us feel safe.
People are grabbing extra packets of the double quilted magic roll because they wanna feel safe.
And you know what? That’s not so funny, that’s not ridiculous, that’s human nature.
In times of crisis, we’re desperate for leadership
Yesterday, I anxiously logged on to watch Bojo’s press conference. I’m independent, arguably, to a point of fault. But when the country is in crisis, I look to the person in charge.
Why? I’m desperate for leadership.
And I know I’m not alone.
We’re desperate for instructions, for guidance, direction. We want to help protect others, to protect ourselves.
We’re so desperate for leadership, that we’re buying toilet paper to gain control.
Well, all I’m gonna say is this: I was disappointed.
So fuck it, let’s rise.
It’s time to be the leaders that we want to see
Here’s my call to arms, here’s my “small change”.
In this time of uncertainty, let’s take some control and let’s rise. Let’s be intentional with our attitude, and where possible, make it a positive one. Let’s be conscious of the fear and anxiety that comes at times of unrest, and be compassionate to those around us. Let’s take a joke because humour helps our stressed-out minds. Let’s connect in ways that feel good for us. That feel safe. Send silly selfies, share our favourite songs and finally pick up that damn book.
Let’s know that we have the power to shape history, whether it’s the stuff that ends up in books, stories or stolen conversations.
Let’s recognise that although we can’t control it all, there’s a hell of a lot we can.
We can breathe. We can be kind to ourselves. Give ourselves a break. We can change our mind. We can make a cup of tea. We can tell our buddy we love them. We can practice patience. We can set an example. We can find ways to smile.
And we can apologise because we will get things wrong, we will snap, we will lose patience, act out. But this doesn’t define us and we will try again. We will rise again.
And let’s spread the love. Help others to do the same. Let’s empower them to rise.
Let’s be the leaders we want to see.
Off to share the loo roll,
Amber
Every day I’m balancin’
Because “it’s the right thing to do” isn’t enough
I wrote a piece for Mad World on how to sell mental health initiatives to the business. Another great way to lead. Go change the world (and holla if you’d like help 👋)
I’m crushing on
These guys at Battenhall…
And here’s the Balpro logo, because #branding.
