It wasn’t Memphis, but it might as well have been. And now you have the song as the soundtrack to this story.
It’s playing as I write.
I went walking in Warrenton last week (Virginia, that is). I was there for meetings with a really cool team doing some amazing work in the world.
It was raining, but I made a commitment to do some activity outside every day. And walking gave me time to think.
I was tired. And grateful for the work I get to do, helping leaders and teams shape the story of the impact they make.
We do this work in the US and Canada. I’m an American and a Canadian. Until a few years ago, I could say I spent half my life in each country.
I’ve enjoyed the beauty of both countries.
I watched Mr. Dressup.
And Mr. Rogers.
In high school, I went all-in on school spirit, Friday night lights and pep rallies.
And I benefited hugely from Canada’s ‘all universities are created equal’ approach to accessible, utilitarian education.
I say ‘eh’ more than your average Canadian, and still get goosebumps when ‘Proud to Be an American’ blasts before a concert.
You could say I’m ambidextrous when it comes to the American and Canadian way of life.
I respect the boldness of the independent, no-one-is-coming-to save-you patriotism.
And the taking-care-of-your-neighbour-preserves-quality-of-life for-all-of-us mindset.
I routinely benefit from easy travel across the border to do work, to visit friends and family AND to experience incredible people in beautiful places.
And now…$#it’s gotten weird.
Social media flooded with stories of people getting held up at the border.
Every cross-border conversation eventually lands on tariffs, Trump, or Tesla.
Back to my walk not-in-Memphis last week.
No matter how much things have seemed to change in the world, in our respective countries, in the economy and trade relationships, we’re all still people.
People who show up for their families and responsibilities.
People who binge the same shows and argue about the same teams.
People who, despite all the noise, all the complications of our time, still have the most important thing in common.
It’s the human experience that unites us – beyond time, geography, culture, or politics.
We’re born. We connect. We struggle. We grow. We die – hopefully leaving things better than we found them.
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
What’s that mean for me? And maybe for you, too?
We show up.
We fight for the things we believe in.
And we do it while still showing kindness, decency, and respect to everyone, even (especially) when we don’t agree.
Unless, of course, you’re team Apple in the Apple vs. Spotify debate.
Or choose Tim Hortons or Dunkin over Starbucks.
Then? Well… all bets are off. 😏
Mary
P.S. We help visionary leaders and organizations achieve more impact through purpose, engagement and storytelling. When you’re ready, here’s how we can help:
- Build the story of your impact through Envision OnPrpose™
- Develop purpose-driven leaders and storytellers with Lead OnPrpose™
- Energize your people’s potential from the inside out with Engage OnPrpose™
- Amplify your industry voice through Influence OnPrpose™
P.P.S. Check out past One Thing Thursdays here.
