Last week, Brittany J. Harris kicked off our Feature series on Rememberings and Recommitments for 2022, and shared her own reflections on the prompts “I am remembering…” “I am unlearning…” “I am redefining…” Today and in coming weeks, we will share rememberings and recommitments from several of our team members as we start off 2022 prepared to grow our work in praxis. As always, we invite you to join us in this journey, however this may look for you.
What lessons do you intend to learn/remember from 2021? What do you want/need to unlearn in 2022? What do you want/need to redefine for yourself in 2022? Share on X
What lessons do you intend to learn/remember from 2021?
Mary-Frances Winters: In the midst of chaos, breathe. Pay attention to what my body is telling me about my health. There is always something to be joyful about.
Ameera Bartholomew: I intend to maintain my boundaries that I learned and developed in 2021, both professionally and personally.
Megan Larson: Breathe, pause, reflect, respond. I am solution- and service-driven and often default to problem solving mode. In 2022, I’m making it a point to breathe and pause to give time and space on reflection before jumping into action. I’m used to the expectation of working fast. This year I am challenging myself to prioritize mindfulness.
Gabrielle Gayagoy Gonzalez: I am remembering how it feels to be a part of a team that builds you up and validates you. I am remembering the steps that brought me here and why I trust my instincts.
What do you want/need to unlearn in 2022?
Mary-Frances Winters: A sense of urgency: I have been programmed as an entrepreneur for almost 40 years that if I don’t respond with a sense of urgency, the business will not continue to prosper. I want to unlearn that because we prosper more when I slow down and am more thoughtful about solutions and next steps.
Ameera Bartholomew: In 2022, I want to unlearn the idea that being nice and keeping harmony means saying yes to everything offered and not asking for help. We are not heroes… and even heroes need a team.
Megan Larson: After a lifetime of working in toxic environments of varying capacities, I need to unlearn the trauma response and ‘old ways of doing business.’ The Winters Group embodies a justice-centered, people-first way of doing business that is a benchmark for other companies. I am consciously working to unlearn the expectations of toxic work environments.
Gabrielle Gayagoy Gonzalez: I am unlearning what it means to be neurodiverse in a neurotypical world. I embrace my ability to be my own best advocate.
What do you want/need to redefine for yourself in 2022?
Mary-Frances Winters: Be a better servant leader. Servant leaders focus primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.
Ameera Bartholomew: I want to redefine what it means to have a fulfilling relationship. Finding new ways to connect to people and to “network” that actually result in an equally beneficial relationship.
Megan Larson: Finding the joy in every moment. It’s easy to get lost or anxious in the midst of challenging tasks. I’m committed to reframing my mindset to discovering the joy in those experiences as a way to prioritize self-care and well-being.
Gabrielle Gayagoy Gonzalez: I am redefining how I measure success. Am I prioritizing self-care? Am I spending quality time with loved ones? Am I building community?
