There is always a way
Last week was one of the most trying of my career, motherhood, and maybe even life: my son’s daycare experienced a Covid scare, we had to find alternative childcare, he wound up getting a stomach bug (which resulted in a failed trip to the pediatric ER), my spouse and I wound up getting the bug from him, and I could barely get off the couch for two days. All this was happening while my spouse had a lot of deadlines (it is Q4 after all), and I had calls, meetings, and work I could not miss. With each thing that flew into my face, I asked myself, “How can we go on?” And something always responded, “There is always a way.”
This time of year, even religious observances remind us of this way-making. The practice of lighting candles at Hanukkah harkens to the miracle of one day’s worth of oil burning for eight days until new consecrated oil could be found. The winter solstice celebrates the return of the light after the darkest days of the year. And Christians honor the birth of Jesus, who brought a new way to find peace, joy, and love.
There’s an old African-American adage, “Make a way out of no way,” and last week, I lived it.
We got our trusted postpartum doula to watch our son while his daycare class was closed for quarantine, and she referred us to a trusted substitute when she went out of town. We quickly got appointments at our doctor’s office for rapid and PCR Covid tests, both of which came back negative, and I was connected with an in-home testing lab for an easy second test (which also came back negative, thank goodness). We had a great babysitter come over the weekend so we could catch up on some work.
There is always a way.
Of course, I acknowledge my privilege, and I’m grateful to have had the resources to get the help that I needed. And, honestly, that strengthens my case: There is always a way when you set an intention and determine to see a vision to completion.
So, the next time an LP asks seemingly pejorative questions about why you want to invest in women and people of color, you can walk away knowing that your fundraise will continue without them. There is always a way.
When you feel that you have to be someone you’re “supposed to be” rather than who you are to impress an investor, you can take a deep breath and know you are sufficient. There is always a way.
When you’re not certain how you’re going to get the resources to compensate your team, you can trust: There is always a way.
I cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will do in 2022, and I am thrilled to walk alongside you. Here is to the best, which is on its way. Have the happiest holidays, and a wonderful new year!