Aligned or Assigned

Over the past few years, it has become more apparent that people are aligned and assigned to our personal and professional lives. Some have journeyed through life with us for years, while others seem to appear at just the right time. Maybe we met them through an existing connection, a mutual friend or colleague, virtual spaces like IG lives, or the comment section of other social media platforms. However these connections occur, you an I have the opportunity to make room for new and meaningful collaborations that may yield fruit for years to come. 

Recently, given all that is going on, I have reflected on the people precisely aligned or assigned to my life. I encourage you to join me in a moment of reflection. Think about the joys of this season; who comes to mind? Think about the challenges of this season; who comes to mind? Think about the uncertain times; who comes to mind? For some of us, the same people may come to mind for each category, while for others, there may be some variety. Either way, this moment of sacred pause allows for exploring who is in our corner or within reach when we need someone to show up for us. Hopefully, we can also consider who we show up for when it matters. For some showing up looks like “thinking of you” calls or text messages; floral or plant deliveries; meal drop-offs or Cashapp for a meal on me; gift cards to places or experiences, like a facial or massage or a specialty store/curator; planning to meet for a meal or coffee/dessert; sending a “praying for you” text; sending a card or letter via mail. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive.
 
In my experience, those aligned and assigned to my life have shown up in all the ways above and then some. Some have sent gift cards for whatever I want to purchase, others have sent gift cards for meal kits, and another paid for services offered by our shared esthetician. Some have taken me to medical appointments and prayed through seasons of uncertainty, while others have provided childcare during crucial moments. These are examples of what it means for others to show up for me. Because of these acts of kindness and love, I can attest that there are indeed people aligned and assigned to our lives. One of the most heart-warming things about these acts of kindness is that they were extended without me asking. 
In professional relationships, colleagues have spoken my name in rooms that afforded opportunities for my growth and development as a minister or mental health clinician. Other colleagues have held space for my clients during a leave of absence to center my wellness, while others have agreed to be my business fiduciary when this life ends. While acknowledging colleagues, there have also been clients who have demonstrated kindness in small yet meaningful gestures: messages of good wishes, cards of appreciation, and prayers on my behalf. I am overwhelmed, and my heart overflows with gratitude as I observe how specific individuals have

If you happen to have been one of these people, I thank you wholeheartedly! 

If this time of contemplation has reminded you of people, you’d like to thank for showing up, consider writing and mailing thank-you notes. If this exercise reminded you of how you’ve shown up for others, do something kind for yourself to affirm your thoughtfulness extended to others. 
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Aligned or Assigned

Over the past few years, it has become more apparent that people are aligned and assigned to our personal and professional lives. Some have journeyed

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