Dear Friends,
I've been thinking a lot about the concept of "grace". I don't mean in the religious sense, although there is a beautiful meaning there. I'm thinking about the idea as it relates to kindness and thoughtful consideration of others.
Kindness involves action -- deliberate gestures that aim to alleviate suffering or bring joy. Women's Connection members are kind to each other every day in ways that involve both generosity of spirit and practical support.
Grace, on the other hand, is internal. It's an inner strength, an ability to stay calm and in control of our reactions to challenging situations. Grace is also what enables us to extend true understanding and forgiveness to people who disagree with us or hurt us -- even when they don't apologize or acknowledge what they have done. Grace is how kindness is best delivered.
I'm thinking about grace right now because I have been deeply touched by the ways in which I see Women's Connection members interact with each other in the turbulent, emotionally-charged world we're living in. At a time when many of us are still busy avoiding Covid, we're being blasted 24/7 with disturbing news from the Middle East and up-to-the-minute reports on who said what in the race for president. It's a lot to deal with. Too much, really. For anyone who is looking for some relief from the fray, Women's Connection can be a safe harbor.
There's a potential complication, though: we are different! Yes, we're all smart, competent women of a certain age, with countless things in common. But our personal values and experiences color the way we see the world and drive the choices we make. No matter how close we feel to other members, no matter how much fun we have laughing together during a grueling game of Mahjong, the truth is that we aren't all planning to vote for the same person on November 5th. We don't all see what's going on in the Middle East in the same way either.
I have a hard time with this, to be honest. It freaks me out to discover that someone I spend a lot of time with, someone I love, is rooting for an opposing team. I'm in the same place many of you are in as I figure out how to deal with it. I have asked several experts for advice, and you'll find tips I've collected at the bottom of this newsletter. For now, I'll offer a quote from researcher and storyteller Brené Brown:
"I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship."
The connections we forge with each other at Women's Connection are life-changing, and for me that makes them worth protecting. Our similarities will always far outweigh our differences. I have no doubt that, with a little grace, we'll look back on this messy period as an incredibly valuable opportunity for personal growth.
With respect and affection,
Darla Hastings
Executive Director