September 2020

I recently discovered a new docuseries called Dear…

Each episode features a well-known figure — Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aly Raisman, Jane Goodall, among others — and letters they’ve received from people changed or influenced by their work. The content of the letters is woven into a biographical narrative, providing greater insight into the main figure and the life they’ve led.

One of the people profiled is musician and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda, of Hamilton fame. 

As musicians, my husband, Steve and I loved learning more about Lin-Manuel's life and work, the inspiration behind what he’s created so far, and insight into his creative process.

Something he said really stood out to me and I grabbed my phone to quickly jot down his words:

Meeting the moment. 

I thought about the challenges of this year — the unexpected twists and turns, the uncertainty about what’s ahead. And yet all we can do is keep showing up, meeting the moment as honestly as we can.

For many of us, this is the most unusual start of a school year we’ve ever experienced. Whether you’re teaching remotely or trying to navigate the new protocols and restrictions of teaching in person; finding yourself in need of work or with more work than you know what to do with; grieving the loss of what was or motivated by the challenge to learn new things — we all can relate to this feeling.

We’re here, meeting the moment (whatever that may look like for you) with honesty and intention and courage.

We're in this together, friends. Our circumstances may be different, but our call is the same. Wherever you are today, whatever may come your way, may you meet the moment as honestly as possible.