That Makes Sense
Hello there!
I stumbled upon this gorgeous poem by Naomi Shihab Nye and thought I’d share it today reflecting on the transformative power of kindness in our entrepreneurial journey.
Kindness
Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.
Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.
Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to gaze at bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
It is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you everywhere
like a shadow or a friend.
Nye’s words resonate deeply with our entrepreneurial spirits, for in our pursuit of success, we often encounter losses, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. It is precisely in these challenging moments that we discover the true essence of kindness.
When we let go of attachments and expectations, we create space for empathy and compassion to flourish. It is within the depths of adversity that the seeds of kindness take root, enabling us to navigate the sometimes desolate landscape between business challenges.
Nye’s verses remind us of the interconnectedness of our shared humanity. As women entrepreneurs, we bear witness to the struggles and triumphs of those around us. We empathize with their journeys, recognizing that their dreams and aspirations are intertwined with our own.
It is through this understanding that the tender gravity of kindness emerges, shaping our interactions, and fostering collaboration and support within our entrepreneurial community.
To truly embrace kindness, we must also embrace sorrow. As women entrepreneurs, we face numerous challenges, both personal and professional, that can weigh heavy on our hearts.
Yet, it is through acknowledging and engaging with our sorrows that we deepen our capacity for empathy and compassion. When we speak to our sorrows, we connect with the collective tapestry of human experiences and recognize the transformative power of kindness to heal and uplift.
Kindness becomes our guiding light, our compass in the entrepreneurial world. It intertwines with our purpose, shaping our decisions, and fueling our actions. It empowers us to cultivate a business environment rooted in compassion, collaboration, and inclusivity.
As women entrepreneurs, let us allow kindness to be the force that propels us forward, creating lasting impacts on our businesses and the world.
With gratitude and kindness,
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Adriana Usvat is a well-known figure in the business world as the founder and managing partner of FLC Group. With her vast knowledge and expertise, Usvat has played a key role in the growth and success of the company.
FLC Group is a marketing services agency focusing on consumer engagement and experiential marketing with four business verticals: shopper marketing and brand activations, events and exhibitions, social media and influencer management, and production and model management.
