A minute of silence.
And how to help.
My home country, Venezuela was hit by an earthquake this week.
I'm grateful my family is alive and unharmed.
I'm reaching out to friends, colleagues, and my network, and so far, they are also alive and unharmed.
This is not to say we're ok.
It'll take us years to recover from this.
If you have lost people, my heart goes out to you.
If you're trying to locate someone, I know exactly what you are feeling right now.
If you are having trouble sleeping at night and focusing during the day, your body is telling you to take care of yourself. Please do so.
If you are in a position to help, please provide financial aid (a GoFundMe to consider), enroll in your local volunteer movement, and alleviate emotional distress.
At the office, ask people how they are faring AND also take things off their plates.
Key question: what can I take from your to-do list so that you can focus on your family and on yourself?
Key actions:
- "I already took these projects/tasks under my wing so you can focus on what matters right now."
- "I have cancelled/postponed these meetings/events because wellbeing comes first."
- "I know you might say you don't need it right now, but I already arranged time off for you for at least (this time period). From personal experience I know sometimes we are not aware we need a pause until we take such pause. Best case scenario, use this time to help others in need. I've been able to take as long as I needed to cope, process, recover, and recharge in the past. Now I want the same for you. So, take all the time you need to be ready to come back, okay? I'm with you."
Beyond the scope of work, reach out, spread the word, build upon each other's actions, and stay present.
Thank you.
Take care.
A big hug to you.
Alberto
