Some thoughts on this week (03/11/23)

It has been a tough week—one full of a rollercoaster of emotions. So far, this year has been about balance and learning to navigate instead of avoid the waves. As always, I'm starting with my agency and getting clear on who's in control and what I'm in control of. Let's talk about it!

I've been watching and listening to a lot of Into the Woods lately. Good thing, because ya boy has been sick with loneliness, and Sondheim always has the cure.

"Witches can be right
Giants can be good
You decide what's right
You decide what's good
Just remember
Someone is on your side
Someone else is not
While we're seeing our side
Maybe we forgot
They are not alone
No one is alone." -No One is Alone

Seven quotes that got me through the week:

1. Empathy for others is just as important as empathy for yourself
2. There are other ways; did you try patience? With yourself? Slowing down? Could you give it some extra thought? Try a different angle. But there are other ways.
3. If people have not moved on, you can move along.
4. Don't be distracted; perfection is a tool of distraction.
5. "The way to right wrongs is to shine the light of truth upon them." -Ida B. Wells.
6. "This world of ours is ever-changing. The hands of time keep rearranging. With ev'ry change, I'm right on the beat. Won't let the grass grow under my feet." -Irving Berlin.
7. "You should be angry. You must not be bitter. Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. It doesn’t do anything to the object of its displeasure. So use that anger. You write it. You paint it. You dance it. You march it. You vote it. You do everything about it. You talk it. Never stop talking it." - Maya Angelou

Competition

I'm not a competitive person. I'll compete, but I'm so okay if I don't win, especially if I enjoy myself. On this entrepreneur journey, I'm learning enjoying yourself isn't enough. Competition is a part of running a business and can sneak up at any moment. Competition is also very healthy (when managed).

This month I've encountered someone building something very (strangely) similar to what I've been working on. A company accused me of stealing design assets from someone else's project. I even had a great UX interview where I shared some potential ideas, talking too damn fast. Only to not get the job and then turn around and see the company implementing my ideas.

My reaction to all of this is to cuss. Maybe send strongly worded emails and jump on a few tense Zoom calls. But the reality is, this is the world of business. When I take a second, put my business hat on, and respond to how I feel. I have a different--opposite--reaction. The competition, the accusations, and the theft are all good things. I must be doing something right. Right? Of course, right.*

Competition can mean you're doing something worthwhile. I tend to design and create on my own. So for me, knowing someone else is just as passionate as I am about whatever, and theirs a growing audience is refreshing. Who said someone was even competing? You jumped to competing! Those were my 💭 thoughts once my ego calmed tf down. Couldn't this also be an opportunity for partnership? 🤔

I haven't found the bright side of being accused of stealing parts of my design. It bothers me because I'm working on my communication, and I know it's the foundation for a great final product. For this project, where the assets come from, how they're being used, and much more was already conveyed. Okay, well, what's the big deal, Leon? Honestly, nothing. Well, nothing other than integrity is essential to me. The bright side, I guess, is that I see the importance of minding your business. Your work is your work. Do it to the best of your ability. Because there will be times when folks will question that, and you better be ready. Stay ready, so you don't have to get ready.

Then there's the case of 💡idea theft. I always said I'm the well that never runs dry. The Mary Poppins Bag of life, if you will. "The stone that the builder refused." Oh, I'm about to shout! No, but in all seriousness, I'm choosing to focus on that. It was just an idea that pales in comparison to my work. I'll continue to focus on my work and I plan to have plenty more ideas. So you're welcome 🙂.

Something bigger than me

I must take the time to highlight the 399 active anti-LGBTQ+ bills clearly put out by folks who have yet to grasp the significance of minding one's business. My home state of Florida has ten bills, all of which are headed for debate and may be voted on. Visit https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights to learn more about the bills and to stay informed. As we continue to mind my business, I will try harder to be louder with my support. American civil rights are constantly being attacked, and the ACLU is an excellent resource. As we stay informed, let us remember our silence will not save us. And if we want to get there, we can go together.

*as Grandma Tzeitel from Fiddler on the Roof would say