Tip: "Psychological First Aid"

In the age of two pandemics – COVID-19 and the pandemic of systematic racism in this country - the emotions that come with living in this situation are simply overwhelming.  This week’s tip is about an article that explores the absolutes as it relates to selfcare in the Covid-19 pandemic. 

An article that is directly parallel to the selfcare necessary in the age of racial reckoning and the Black Lives Matter movement.  Please read this and think about the changes that need to be made in your life so that you may be able to withstand these two pandemics as best as you can.

You can read the full Washington Post article here

Tip: Respect and Friendship Despite Division

As we mourn the great loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we are also reminded of her unlikely friendship with another Supreme Court Justice. They were very much alike in some ways: they were both native New Yorkers, around the same age and liked many of the same things- opera, traveling, nice wine – to name a few. They first serve on the same bench on the D.C. Circuit Court, and later both served on the Supreme Court.  When Scalia was asked about his friendship with someone who so notably disagreed with his view of the law  he replied, “some things are more important than votes.” While Ginsburg noted “you can disagree, without being disagreeable” when speaking of Scalia. me Court Justice, the late Antonin Scalia. They often disagreed on their views of the law, but their decades long friendship was genuine, although surprising to many. 

As we enter the election season, we are constantly reminded of harsh and growing partisan divide. We are also faced with the pandemics of systemic racism and Covid-19.   Difficult, painful conversations have become somewhat the norm as we work hard to have a sense of compassion with each other’s opinions. 

Today, however, we should take a moment and consider the lessons from the friendship of Justice Ginsburg and Justice Scalia.  When speaking our own truths, we should remember the way these two notorious Justices disagreed and learned from one another.  Let’s be reminded of this infamous friendship as we do our best to navigate these difficult times. 

Tip: Working from Home

Tip: Be an Ally

It can be daunting to think about how you can be an ally, but, hot tip: it's not hard. Becoming an ally is a series of small, meaningful steps.    CLI has got a few tips for you here. And if you need information, please reach out. We would be thrilled to help.

Get educated: if you don’t know how to be an ally, get educated.  There are hundreds of resources on google that will lead you to relevant websites.  CLI can also point you in the right direction.  Ask your friends how they are good allies.  The information is there; you must want to see it.  Don’t stop learning.

Get to know and support your local minority-owned businesses: and don’t say you don’t know where they are.  Resources like The Black App can point you to hundreds of black-owned businesses.  Check out your local Chambers of Commerce for more local information.

Get brave: all of this takes courage, but we know you can do it and CLI will support you every step of the way. If you don’t know, ask. Most people will understand if you are genuinely seeking information. This also includes not idly standing by when you see or hear something that is not right. 

Get honest: take some time and look within.  Unconscious bias is real.  And there could be stereotypes or outdated ideas that linger.  Not recognizing your own biases will inhibit you from being an ally and bringing your best self.  

Remember:

Allies agree to:

• ·         Have your back when you are not in the room
• ·         Support minority efforts
• ·         Empathize with what people of color are going through
• ·         Act

Tip: Pronouns

Our tip of the week is going to help anyone who struggles with getting pronouns correct.  Yes, it’s relatively new, but proper pronouns are not going anywhere, so let’s do our best to get it right. 

Your embracing the correct pronouns of your co-workers is a valuable and genuine signal that they are safe bringing their whole self to work.  It is a positive step to allyship.

•  - Start by your own pronouns.  Put your pronouns (e.g., they, them, theirs) in your email signature and social profiles, etc.  This is a good reminder for everyone.

•  - Practice. Practice. Practice.  Stop assuming you know someone’s pronouns based on their appearance.  Make an effort and practice learning pronouns.  Think of it as simply remembering that who you want to refer to as Chrissy wants to be called Christina, you can easily master pronouns. Practice your apology, too.  If you get it wrong – and you might – apologize and accept the impact.  Remind the person that you will work on getting it right.  To continue to misuse a pronoun can be interpreted as a micro-aggression. You can do better.

Tip: Self Care

The news, the pandemic, the election, homeschooling, systemic racism; it all adds up and takes a major toll on all of us.  It is now more important than ever to make sure you stay well and take care of yourself..  Take a walk, get some exercise, breathe, and make time for just you each day.  Research shows that those who have some sort of gratitude practice live a more whole life than those of those who do not.  

You cannot solve the world’s problems when you’re not taking care of yourself.  It doesn’t have to be cumbersome or time consuming but take the time to take care of yourself. We gathered some tips here in case you need a place to start:

 - Take 10 deep breaths. Breathe in for 4-5 seconds and out for 6-7 seconds. 

 - Choose a day to take a break from the news and social media.  Turn off the news, log out from social media and clear your mind.

 - Stay hydrated.  Even slight dehydration can have an impact on your mind and body

 - Get outside (safely) and take in some fresh air.

 - Start a healthy habit and commit to at least one healthy, mindful activity each day. 

- Meditate.

- Start a gratitude practice.