“I urge
you to answer the highest calling
of your heart and stand
up for what you truly believe” -Sen John Lewis
Earlier this week while serving in the community I looked out the window and watched a small child and her Mom accessing services just a few months back would’ve been incredibly more difficult. In that moment I knew it was time to release this post.
What is Good Trouble?
Good trouble is exactly just that, being on the positive side of history even when the present doesn’t understand. This post was inspired by so many incredible Leaders I’ve seen recently putting in real WERK to move forward their communities. For me all of it that came full circle ⭕️ .
Of course, homage must be paid to the forefather of good trouble Representative John Lewis:
Representative John Lewis‘ guiding principle, “Good trouble, necessary trouble—It’s not only OK, but necessary to enact and inspire meaningful change.”
Good Trouble The Final Letter
There are times in my career I’ve had to face challenges that took tenacity, audacity, advocacy and sheer will to execute. As I look back on those same challenges I realize if we had let barriers, naysayers, or in some cases doors slammed shut stop us, we never would’ve made it to extraordinary outcomes and IMPACT.
Ask Yourself?
Knowing when to walk away is a post in and of itself (some of this I address in a previous post about pruning). However, ask yourself a few questions before you throw in the towel for something you truly believe in:
- At the end of the day, who does this intention truly impact and how?
- Is this intention “good trouble”, that is necessary to enact sustainable change?
- Are you equipped inside to handle the journey?
- There are times I absolutely saw the solution but was not equipped to deliver it.
- If you begin the journey with your tank empty, how far can you truly drive?
- Why does this matter?
- If you can’t answer why, it is not your journey to take.
“I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me”
John Lewis
My Good Trouble
I remember the day I realized the individuals I serve are just like my friends, my church, my family, my community, my origins…. Me. Whenever “good trouble” feels too heavy that line is where I anchor. I am the community and the community is me. Remembering that fact allows me humanize the experience of those I serve and become their best advocate.
In closing, the best way to weather standing in good trouble is to first take care of yourself. If you can’t drive can others follow? The answer is no. When I serve in the community, I too often pull aside these fearless, humble, leaders and whisper please take care of yourself. Small, steps can go a long way.
Our next Whispers Workshop will be on February 17th at 9:30am. If you are interested in practical ways to take care of yourself register here.
Be well,
Judith
References: Good Trouble the final letter of John Lewis ;