Showing Up

The Lower School "read" at SSFS this Summer was Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. The book takes a hard look at issues of shame and what it takes to get beyond shame into a state which she describes as wholehearted living. I found the book a difficult read, not because I disagreed with its premise, but because I felt so personally convicted by the message. In particular, I saw how necessary it would be for me to let go of perfectionism and what people think.

Sometimes you have to stop telling yourself that your work has to be perfect and, instead, be willing to show up and do what you can do without judging yourself and sabotaging yourself. Perfectionism is ultimately paralyzing. Being willing to show up and do the work with all of one's imperfection is where that daring greatly comes into play.

These concepts serve as a backdrop for me to this week's announcement by Courtney Watson that she is entering the race for State Delegate in 9B. This quote from the campaign press release struck me:

“The thing about Courtney is that she is tenacious and energetic. She gets right to the heart of the matter and works quickly to find a solution. When the devastating flood hit Ellicott City last year, Courtney organized a donation drive for flood relief supplies that were critical to the recovery of businesses and residents. She doesn’t just talk, she takes action,” said Angie Tersiguel, owner of Tersiguel’s French Country restaurant in Ellicott City. 

Showing up. The narrative of Ms. Watson' life since her loss in the County Executive race in 2014 has been rich with incidences of showing up to do the work. Founding Bridge to Give on Facebook to connect ordinary HoCo residents with ways to help their neighbors in need. Working with others to collect books for children in the Sandtown neighborhood in Baltimore City. Springing into action after the flood in Ellicott City to provide residents and businesses with neccesary supplies. Serving on the Clinton campaign, making connections with people throughout the state of Maryland. Supporting efforts to move the Confederate monument from the courthouse grounds.

It's easy to withdraw when you experience loss. I know this from personal experience. It takes bravery and inner strength to learn and grow as much from loss as from success. The political landscape in Annapolis is full of starts and stops and frustrating obstacles. A successful state delegate is one who makes connections, looks for new solutions, and most of all, keeps showing up to do the important work.

I look forward to observing Ms. Watson's campaign. She is in an excellent position to take the positives of her ability and experience and use them to serve a community she knows and loves. 

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