Dear Community,

Some people naturally wish to care for one another, while others go into self-preservation mode (at all costs). We noticed that this tendency increases during emergencies & hardships. One instinctive mode of reaction isn’t better than the other, but it comes at a price either way.

A) Caring for another person or a group of people requires us to allocate resources, energy, time & patience.
B) Self-preservation, however, can isolate us from a collective momentum & may lead us to be “out of the loop.”

Perhaps there is a way to balance both approaches:
caring for ourselves while showing up for others as much as we are capable/willing. In equilibrium, we can bring harmony to our relationships in a helpful way without compromising our own personal needs.

Although, caring people need to watch the amount of “stuff” they pile on their shoulders and hearts. Carrying someone else’s personal process, baggage, or reaction isn’t helpful to us or the other person. Think about it:
would it be helpful to have someone indulge our own misbehavior, entitlement, or projections?

We believe that clear reflections facilitate an honest dialogue that promotes everyone’s growth. A dialogue not rooted in honesty, courage & clarity may compromise at least one person’s integrity. So let’s assess the nature of our relationships for a minute.

This week’s reflection:

• Am I honest with myself in all my life’s circumstances?

• Am I in integrity with everyone in my life (i.e partnerships, work, home, strangers)?

• What honest reflection haven’t I voiced up? Why haven’t I?

• When am I ready to voice it up courageously?

With love & dedication,
Team OTC