Finding Harmony in Chaos

Ever find yourself in that moment where your brain feels like it's stuck in a loop? You know, those moments when the chaos of nonprofit work leaves you questioning if you're even on the right track? 

Thoughts like:

Am I truly meeting my community's needs?

Will we ever hit our fundraising goals and accomplish everything we set out to do?

Do I even feel appreciated in what I do?

So, what's your go-to when you hit that mental roadblock?

For me, the answer has always been music.

Let me take you back four years ago, to the spring of 2020. I was heavily pregnant with my daughter, and the world seemed to be in a perpetual state of chaos. Day and night, my mind was consumed with worries:

Would my husband be allowed in the delivery room with me?

Would I still have a job waiting for me after my maternity leave?

How on earth were we going to navigate through this tumultuous time with the current state of affairs?

What helped me through it all? Music. Specifically, Bonnie Prince Billy's cover of the Grateful Dead's "Rubin & Cherise." I'd play it on repeat, immersing myself in some mundane activity like meal prepping or bread baking, all while letting my mind wander wherever it pleased. 

And you know what? It worked like a charm.

After a few listens, the worries would start to fade, and my mind would open up to gratitude and new possibilities. It was during those moments of solace that the seeds of Harlow Nonprofit Consulting were planted, shaping the life I lead today.

So, how about you? How do you find your center amidst the chaos? Do you immerse yourself in the community you serve? Or perhaps you find solace in repetitive tasks like stamping letters or washing dishes? Maybe a leisurely stroll around your organization's neighborhood does the trick?

Whatever it is, remember this: giving your brain moments of silence is crucial. It's in those quiet moments that it finds the space to reset and explore new perspectives.

I'd love to hear what helps you find your balance.