Just Show Up!

We need others and others need you. Needless to say, Challenge Detroit has definitely open my eyes to the things that were happening around me. I will admit sometimes just getting up and being on camera bothered me, many of my close friends can also tell you there aren’t many pictures of me floating around but I was there.

Just think of how being present for an extreme introvert mother of 3 and wife drove me nuts. In the beginning I wouldn’t say much of anything but as I began to see how people were connecting and I was being left out. Although, I thought just showing up  smiling with my camera on was enough, there were so many thoughts running through my head….stay focused Jocelyn, stay engaged Jocelyn, are you listening Jocelyn, are you responding Jocelyn…the answer was NO.

Have you ever been in a conversation but missed every word spoken. That was me at first but as the weeks rolled by and I had the opportunity to have check ins with fellows  and work with different teams I had the chance to see how many individuals were like me especially during the pandemic which forced some people to really be alone and they learned to live alone. Being in a cohort reminds you of how big Detroit is but at the same time you’re only a block away.

I say all this to say, Challenge Detroit not only forced me to be a better communicator but a better listener and leader. Challenge was not just about the projects but the people, fellows and community partners played a huge roll in my development over the last year.

 

BE ENGAGED, BE EMPATHETIC, BE FOCUSED, BE A TEAM PLAYER, and most of all MAKE FRIENDS