Thoughts + Ideas on Action

As a white coach and entrepreneur, there is a lot about what's happening right now that I am reckoning with. I am educating myself and trying to keep my head from spinning out ineffectively and my heart from imploding. I'm reading, taking classes and speaking to people, investing, and checking myself every step of the way. Getting it wrong and falling short every day, and that's okay. My goal is to breathe in values and calm, and use perspective to see it's so not about me, it's about service. Clients, all of you every day give me a chance to live my highest purpose through individual coaching. Thank you for allowing me to serve in this way.

In speaking with so many of my clients already this week, I know that most of you/us genuinely want to do better. Let's see how we can do that. Let's find the authentic and effective ways. Let's find purpose in discomfort as we work to take steps forward. You are not alone in this work.

It takes way more than intention, I know it takes every day conscious effort. I want to support all of you the best I can in doing that. I want to get this right and yet of course I don’t have that assurance that what I am and we are doing is right or helpful at any given moment. Let's keep trying and getting feedback from POCs.

It's a doozy to realize my comfort and privilege of being white and my fear of being wrong or uncomfortable is doing the very thing that clashes with my own personal values. That is not okay or fulfilling in any way.

Who do I really want to be? I want to be a woman of integrity and that ally who my clients can truly count on. I want to hold a space for every individual where each of you can feel truly seen, appreciated and empowered.

I want to be the change I see in the world. I do not want my friends who have inherited a culture of racism to live with loving white friends - who have the power to do something - sit on our hands in fear and trepidation.

I’m asking myself more seriously than ever before (like many of you) - what can I do consciously and effectively right this moment without reactivity? Where is privilege stepping on others unconsciously? What comfort can I/we forego for the greater good? What will do the greatest good? Where are my blind spots? Where can I allow myself to be wrong? Where can I lift up and amplify POCs who have been dimmed or in the shadows? Where am I capable of more changes? Where are my limiting beliefs in my ability to make said changes? Where can we be okay for being judged? Where can we invest even in a pandemic? Invest the money? Get out of the way? Be mad and terribly sad with purpose? Where can I and we learn from those who are trailblazing?

I am so grateful for everyone who is educating me and letting the pain be known. We deserve a community, country, world that can make our children and grandchildren proud. Let’s be on the right side of history. Let's want it more than we are afraid.

Here’s where I’m focusing this week: education and investment (classes, books, podcasts, donations) speaking to people from a place of my truest values, and accepting that others may judge as I’m ready to open myself up to more.

Below are some resources I have been digging into. If you need a place to start or continue, use the ones that speak to you. Learn as much as you can. I’m right there with you. We need to learn and unlearn, and be willing to be wrong again and again. It’s not about being a better white person. It’s about being uncomfortable and stepping into service through action. 

Join me in making a one-step-at-a-time game plan. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. Stay grounded. Stay awake. Done is better than perfect. Listen to what feels authentic for you and do it. 

Educate through Videos + Articles:

Equip with Resources:

Make Donations:

Read or Listen to Books + Podcasts:

If you are thinking of buying books, please be thoughtful about where. Consider ordering them through a local bookstore owned by a POC.

Learn and Invest in BIPOCs doing the good work

Here some amazing women who I've invested in:

Sign Petitions:

Please share your thoughts with me if you feel it would be helpful. If you see any blindspots in my work I would like to know about it so I can do better.

To those of who identify as a POC, I see you, I hear you, I so deeply believe in you. I will do everything in my power to fight for you. 

In Solidarity and Love,
Jenna

Jenna StarkeyComment