"If you have the courage to begin,

you have the courage to succeed."

~David Viscott

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Alexander Jewish Family Service Friends – 

On Sunday I attended a wedding via Zoom. People from all over the country attended virtually because we were not all able to be together at the same time in person. Throughout the celebration the technology did not always cooperate as our hosts tried to weave together the virtual and in-person experiences. There were moments when we had to wait for the technology to be adjusted before things could proceed. More importantly, however, was the joy and love in the many faces in the boxes of the Zoom meeting. Not a single person seemed troubled by the occasional technical glitches – everyone was fully present in the moment of joy that we were all sharing and people found wonderful, creative ways to participate from where they were in meaningful ways.

As I reflected on the wedding afterwards, I thought of the former football player and coach, Lou Holtz, who said:

“Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

Holtz’ words gave me even more appreciation for the motivation and wonderful attitude of this young couple to overcome the challenges presented to them and to create a meaningful and inclusive service. They and their families found the courage to face the many challenges of planning an event in these unusual times and found a way to focus on the important things and let go of the need for everything to be a certain way. The result was a wonderful, warm, inclusive service that celebrated their love and the start of a new chapter in their lives together.

Steve Chandler, in his book Reinventing Yourself: How to Become the Person You've Always Wanted to Be, encourages us to:

“Do it badly; do it slowly; do it fearfully; do it any way you have to, but do it.”

As each of us continue to navigate the ongoing challenges and changes to our lives that are being created by the response to the evolving COVID situation we are constantly being asked to do new things. It is helpful to remember that the goal is to move forward and to not let the obstacles, technical difficulties or mistakes define us. Surgeon and author Maxwell Maltz reminds us:

“You make mistakes, mistakes don't make you”

Over the coming days and weeks we will once again be transitioning to a new normal – the theme for this phase will be “hybrid” – learning to do things partially in person and partially virtually. Navigating this new phase will undoubtedly present us with new challenges and new opportunities to stumble or make mistakes as we learn the new skills needed to do it well. It will be important to remember that technical ability will only be a small part of what determines our success –the rest will depend on motivation and attitude.

Hopefully we will find a way to face this transition with a generous heart and with a good sense of humor.

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Take care,

Carl

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Carl E. Josehart, MSW (he/him/his)

Chief Operating Officer