The Note is an email to share MY reflective practice with YOU... click reply, let me know how you are!

*If you wanna share "The Note" send this link to your friends: 

https://sendfox.com/jw 

2022 - Y.4 N.10 - "I was born for this"

Dear ,

Almost 43 months ago, Jodi and I moved to Montgomery so I could "do a thing."

In all transparency, on paper I thought that "thing" was to teach at a university.

What I've come to find is that I moved here so that I could do what I'm on the planet for. (And, yes...I just ended a sentence with a preposition.)

I'm not here just to teach or just to put lesson plans together for others. I'm not here just to push slides, or read from a script. No, I was put on the planet to help people think.

• Think differently. 
• Think more.
• Think better.
• Think better. 
• Think.

Last Monday, I met the new LDC (Leader Development Course) cadre. I started working with more than a dozen leaders who CHOSE to come to Montgomery for not just one, but TWO years. Some brought their families here, some are "geo-baching." (Is that how you spell it?) No matter what, they ALL are about to step into the opportunity of a lifetime.

This year, they will help about 1,000 leaders "think" differently.

Between Monday and Friday last week, I worked alongside and connected with fellow humans being who are "in it to win it." They are ready to help their Airmen and Guardians, and for that, I am grateful. The week was filled with share stories, asking questions, and learning more about how other people's experiences and perspectives are different than mine.

This morning, Jodi and I were in Atlanta at a Daybreaker event (look it up... it's pretty cool: yoga, and dancing!) and I spent a portion of the class fantasizing. I let myself wonder: "What would happen if we brought the 'Broadway' mindset to LDC?" To me, the Broadway mindset is one of 100% commitment. All-in-ness. Being ready to be... 100%.

Personally, I think I've had the Broadway mindset for a long, long time. But I didn't have a name for it. (If you wanna ready or see my "philosophy" I've got a written AND video version of that. Just lemmie know...)

From 2000 until 2018, I spent 40-100 nights a year in New York City. During many of those trips, I would buy tickets to see a show. Something on Broadway, something that I got to experience that would show me what it was like to watch people who were all in. Something where for a moment I got to go somewhere else in my heart and mind, and the people taking me there were giving their all.

You see, most Broadway shows go on 8 days a week. 52 weeks a year. For as long as possible! (Pick one of your favs and type "How long has _____ been playing on Broadway?") The actors playing those roles have a time period to do what they do - what I bet some of them would say "what they are here to do."

When I think of that, I don't get bored. I don't get complacent. I don't ask why?

I wonder how.

I wonder, "What's it like for _______ to wake up knowing that s/he will walk on stage that day at 8:00pm?" 

Years ago, I did the "wait at the back of the theater to meet the actor" thing, and it was amazing to watch them. Humans. Real people. Folks who knew what they were on the planet to do, and people who had to go get some food, probably have a drink, and eventually get some rest.

I want to work with that kind of a person.

Is it forever?

No.

Is it sustainable ?

Probably not.

Is it important to show up with everything they've got, for the audience in front of them, on that night? 

Absolutely yes.

I want to be the person that people see and think, "Man... he's all in."

As of last Friday afternoon, I am scheduled to teach two 8-day LDC courses alongside 3 amazing leaders in our United States Air Force. I promised them - and will do here in front of all my family and friends - to give my all.

Oh, and I'm not going to wait until the curtain draws...they will get everything I've got every day between now and then. I know that my greatest strength is wondering, "What will this FEEL like for the students in our class?"

My goal is to make sure that I bring that curiosity and that mindset to everything I do.

I moved to Montgomery to do a thing...and, I'll do it as long as possible.

Happy Sunday, Friends.

Much love,

Dr. JW

PS: "Just in case" ...

I'm hosting a couple of events in Zoom so that (1) I can hone my skills at #gathering in the virtual space, and (2) we can re-get-ready in case we spend more time in Zoom this fall/winter. Soooo.....

You are invited to a Gift and Power #Gathering on 8 Aug. Register soon:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l8pkyHbIqs498f4ExztFfVlxwa1JC-3YDu9QHp27o5Y/edit?usp=sharing

And, if you read Marshall's book, "The Earned Life," we'll talk about that over TWO meetups on 8 and 22 Aug... you're invited, but register soon and read his book ASAP!

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpcO6gpjIoGtPBcw1eJNHk_U8t0hnHKykj 

How did The Note* from MGM (Montgomery, AL) begin?

Jodi and I moved to Alabama in 2019. After being here for just less than a week, I opened up my email to send a note to my family in friends in California and beyond. Jodi was on her way to join me here, so I took some time to reflect on this significant life decision/change I had initiated. That Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019, I sent an email at 9:38 pm (or, as I was beginning to learn: 2138). Here's how it started:

Today was my first day as an employee of the United States Air Force. And, I am bold enough to say I've never been prouder or more excited to serve a community.

Though I "moved" to Alabama last Wednesday [Jodi plans to be here Monday], I went to my New Employee Orientation just today. The 90-minute briefing culminated in me taking the Oath:

"I, Jason Womack, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well; and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

All at the same time, I felt pride, Honor, and a hefty dose of responsibility. I'm helping leaders on a grand scale.

*The following Sunday, and many subsequent Sundays!, I've sent a note to my family and friends. Thanks for reading, and gratitude (more!) for clicking reply and letting me know what YOU'RE reflecting on!