The Sunday Note (TSN) from MGM (Montgomery, AL) is a reflective practice I go through to invite YOU to share your reflections with your friends and family... 

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V.3 N.38 TSN from MGM "How do they feel?"

Days 1,015-1,021

Do what they don't

Say what they won't

Think what they haven't

Be different

Hi ,

In the space of 72 hours last week, I got to experience two significant emotional events.

They were both subtle and may have gone unnoticed had it not been for a diligent commitment I have to reflect on anything I do that might have a lesson associated with it.

Which I find happens more often than not!

First, I was invited to serve a group meeting in Annapolis. More than 20 leaders drove from DC to gather and talk during a day-long "off-site" event. I facilitated two sessions; 90 minutes in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon.

The lesson I learned from that experience is to wonder - deeply, meaningfully, and purposefully - about how many ways there are to create an experience that increases the likelihood that people IN the room will feel comfortable with one another BEYOND the room. And, I don't just mean the people who work together, but I also mean their guests. In this case, it was me...and I was in awe of the "welcoming" experience I had as the outsider there to serve for the day.

Walking away from that experience, I'm focused on studying the INTENTIONAL "space-creation" that can welcome new people in, whether for a quick visit, joining the team for the long term, or anything in between.

Second, I read an alert on Saturday about an incident and immediately texted someone I knew who I figured would know about it, and perhaps potentially even be a part of responding to it. With three of our base members injured, and trips to the hospital for some, it seemed to make sense to send this text:

"Hey man, I just heard about the incident ... are all of your guys OK?"

To me, THAT was the question to ask, the ONLY question I hoped for a positive answer to...I didn't even think of anything else. So, imagine my internal shake-up when my buddy replied with this (first part of the) text:

"Thank you for asking me how are my guys doing vs what happened!!!!!!"

In 7 days, I will move the 35th marble from downstairs to upstairs. What I've learned in the 34 months and three weeks that I've worked here with these leaders is this:

The "doing" will work itself out.

What needs to happen will generally get done. The checklist will be checked, the courses of action followed, and the outcome achieved. What I'm concerned about more than the doing - for all my friends over here - is how they are "being" while they get the J. O. B. done.

How important is this focus on humans being?

I just checked Facebook and read that a woman I went to elementary school with lost her brother to an accident last weekend. My hope and wish is that their family focuses on the "beingness" of one another as they go through these difficult times over the holidays.

As I posted on social media just a few minutes ago, what if we start every next thing by asking:

"How do they feel?"

Sending you warm wishes from Montgomery,

JW

PS: We've started a "Drum Circle" via a Marco Polo group. The purpose is to come together as a group once per week and spend 15 or so minutes sharing with one another what we're workin' on, and what we need help with. Hit reply and let me know:

1. If you're on Marco Polo app
2. If you'd like to see the welcome video
3. If you'd like to join our group

(I send an intro email out to everyone so everyone knows who everyone is!)

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

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!