If you've been keeping up with Meryl's Safe Haven (MSH), you may agree that October was a month! It was packed! We did radio, the paper, our blog posting with tips for introverts was cited by another publication and the creator reached out with encouraging words - thanks, Peter. MSH's 15 minutes of fame came and went. Well, kind of; we all know nothing on the internet goes anywhere. With all of that, I must say, I still find myself challenged as an introverted face of an organization, yet, very appreciative. While we celebrate the increased awareness of homelessness, the need for shelter, MSH as an organization looking to contribute to the solution of the previously mentioned issues, we know there is still a lot of work to be done. Rounding out October, we engaged with possible funders, continued our "Who's Who" in the city, and ... and... wait for it... had our state inspection to move us closer to sheltering the unsheltered - a moment we've all been waiting for!
A lot happened in the month of October so, know, I only scratched the surface. There were highs, there were lows, there was emotional turbulence. It has been a rollercoaster with a drop into fall like no other.
Get it? The recent start of the fall season and a rollercoaster drop... Yeah?!
At the points of turbulence, not just in October but generally, music brings me a sense of calm. In fact, P!nk's Trustfall has been in serious rotation. If you haven't heard it yet, do yourself a favor and listen to numbers 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10; they all have spoken to different parts of this journey. I'll admit, #1 has a special place in my heart. So, we're clear, the goal here isn't to make you a fan of P!nk, but it is to provide the understanding that life would B♭ without music. There are times when music simply make you believe there is someone out there who understands you and might be able to provide some perspective to the journey you're on if you keep still long enough to listen. Even the
acknowledgement of other artists within a song is enlightening, to me, as it shows a certain level of respect to craftsmanship. To me, meeting with other CEO/EDs and feeling a sense of mentorship is that, respect for the craft. Leadership, relationship building, mentorship are all skills that take time to craft. In one of her songs, P!nk says, "I want my life to be a Whitney Houston song (I wanna dance). I got all good luck and zero..." I can't finish that, but you get it! The impact of music is real on mental health - there's research on this; trust me, I’m a doctor ☺️. Also, I dare you to take a listen to this album and not connect with one of the songs previously mentioned (or another). I always welcome comments to posts, but I am especially interested in comments to this one after you've had a listen. If you don't listen to any of those songs, it's fine, but I will challenge you to listen to Whitney Houston's I Wanna Dance or Mary J. Blige's Just Fine the next time you find yourself experiencing turbulence. If neither changes your mood, music may not be your thing.
Speaking of perspective and good luck, during the week of October 23rd we had the good fortune to meet with the ED of one of the bigger nonprofit organizations in the city; encouraging, to say the least. Unlike other meetings, while the "who are you?" question still arose, it was sincere out of a desire to get to know who was at the table on both sides and the "what do you want?" that typically comes was "how can we help?" and came at the conclusion of the meeting. A leader who engaged inquisitively while allowing individuals who work closely with programming and the population in which they serve to actively engage and provide insight into their work. That meeting in addition to other events and meetings that week, including our inspection reminded me of the importance of having the right people at the table, knowing your supports, knowing your allies, knowing what tips are worth the research, time, and effort, and knowing the song (or album) that gets you through challenging times and forces you to reevaluate when you feel like walking away.
What I've learned is when the need is apparent and the solution appears to be a win for all, as a founder, leader, and/or face of a business or organization it is important to understand that there is no short cut to start-up and turbulence plays an important role on a path that you've never travelled before. In this journey, more recently, it has been helpful to me to keep one thing in the back of my mind which is a quote from Randy Armstrong: worrying today does not take away tomorrow's problems, it takes away today's peace. As a new CEO in the midst of start-up while balancing life ... so much life, reminds me of the importance to "...never not dance again" (this will make complete sense if you take a listen).
Outside of my infinity for music, one thing is certain which is not everyone finds balance or peace in music. There are other outlets when experiencing turbulence like working out, poetry, etc. and for some it is giving: giving back to their community, the giving of time, the giving of talent, and/or the giving of resources. Meryl's Safe Haven will participate in #GivingTuesday on November 28, 2023, consider this post and everything we do to keep you, our supporters, updated as a trust-fall. On #GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity, we are trusting that you will aid us in sheltering our families. Thank you to those who have already given!
Dance with us as we move closer to opening our doors after the recent completion of a positive inspection and, as of November 2nd, the approval of our state RFR.
Cue Trophies featuring Drake.
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