My quarantine exercise routine has me moving between fitness apps to try out a variety of workouts in addition to putting in my regular at home gems that often get lost when I’m travelling. I’ve been reminded how resilient my body is and how sore it can be when I try something new. Changes happen quickly when I put my attention on it. Stretching classes and yoga programs have me more flexible, stronger, and more agile, and that feels good (after a few weeks of wondering what I was thinking each time I stood up!).
Then, the murder of George Floyd, on the heels of Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, happened. This week has been painful for me, my racial awareness muscles don’t feel strong. I believe I am aware of my place in the world, and yet I want to be better. Better as a human and as a leader. Better as a white ally to all communities of color. I want to grow this muscle and I know 80% of learning is social. I’m looking for others who are interested in this growth, in the vulnerability that comes along the path of understanding deep rooted and systemic racism in ourselves and our country. If you are interested in being part of a book group that will dig into this topic, email me now. It’s time to stop thinking and start doing. Let’s grow some muscles together.
If you are ready to start now, here are places to begin:
Reading:
Peggy McIntosh’s article on White Privilege
Watching/Listening:
Robin DiAngelo on White Fragility
Zoom dinner with Tim Wise
About Judy Hissong
Judy Hissong is the President of Nesso Strategies. A former law firm Chief Operating Officer, she helps firms become more profitable by developing leaders. Her mission is “world domination for Good.” By creating actionable, lightbulb moments that leaders want to share and spread, she intends to improve the world one person at a time.
