TBN #8
24 days closer
How are you doing? I am checking on you. I hope you remember that we are easing into the new year. You only have 24 days left.
I started my easing early when I took a solo trip to Accra, Ghana a couple of weeks ago. To be honest, my trip there inspired this month’s theme. Now that I am back stateside, I plan to maintain this level of ease. If you are curious about my trip, you can read my quick reflections here. If you rather see the highlights, check out this video, and this video and this one, too. However, I am most proud of this moment.
Anywho, back to you. What are you doing to ease into the new year? Or perhaps, what are you not doing so you can ease into the new year? Send me a message and let me know.
Keep reading to see what the world has been up to and how we can make it better.
Sincerely,
Your favorite CDO
Amber Benton
WEEKLY UPDATE
CLIFF NOTES: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
The Most Diverse Gift Guide will be in your inbox on Friday (tomorrow)
Julianne Sitch makes history
Free speech versus anti-discrimination
What Warnock’s win means
State of emergency in Jamaica
Hijab law is under review
Student financial aid packages are misleading
Dear CVS, where did the donations go?
Hanukkah (December 18-December 26)
Christmas (December 25)
Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1)
BENTON’S BASICS: SUPPORTING SOBER EMPLOYEES
Long story short…
Here are some basic ways to support sober and sober-curious employees this season (and year-round):
Offer non-alcoholic beverages/mocktails with the same panache as alcoholic beverages.
Offer more non-alcoholic options besides water.
Establish a work culture where people do not feel pressured to drink.
Identify ways to ensure that people are not being over-served at work events.
Encourage business leaders to engage in sobriety discourse year-round.
STUDY HALL: NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION PRACTICES
You never know when you might encounter a stressful interaction. Let’s be proactive and learn how to use nonviolent communication (NVC).
HOMEWORK: reimagining the world
What I’m Reading 📖: This article “Your Ideas Are Not Your Identity”: Adam Grant on How to Get Better at Changing Your Mind.
What I’m Watching 📺: The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 2 is by far one of the funniest shows on TV.
What I’m Listening To 🎙️: Ted Business podcast episode, What if Women Built the World They Want to See?. A great take on why women and gender expansive folks are needed in trade industries. You can also watch the episode here.
What I’m Snacking On 🍪: After all this reading, watching, and listening, I needed a snack. I love these because they remind me of my not-so-healthy childhood snack, Funyuns.
DANCE BREAK: WINTER THINGS
I admit it, I am a fan of AG. Her holiday album is one of my favorites and “Winter Things” is a fun, upbeat track.
It ain't even cold outside, not where I'm from
Feeling like it's mid-July under the sun
My jacket don't get no love, no hats and no gloves, not even a chance to rain
Side note: I think her winter is different from the one I am experiencing.
DOUBLE TAP: WHO I’M FOLLOWING
To help us ease into the new year, let’s follow Alex’s IG account. She adds the most affirming and gentle reminders to your daily feed. You can also visit her website.
I’d love to hear from you!
What do you need to be better in work and in life? Send me a message or connect with me on social.
