On the run
Do you act differently online than in real life, I asked during a workshop. The answers were divided. Boundaries between online and offline are blurring, and new technology like the Apple Vision Pro is not making it easier for us to hold our attention in the moment. Resulting in fleeting contacts and short attention spans. What sometimes wakes me up is that behavioral addictions, ranging from excessive phone use, gaming, shopping, sex to work obsession, grip millions of people. These escape mechanisms seem to offer an escape, but often lead to more dissatisfaction and disruption. The question that concerns me is: to what extent does technology contribute to this trend?
In parallel, refugees from war zones experience the ultimate escape, forced to leave home and hearth behind for a chance at safety. Despite the differences, both forms of flight share a universal need for safety and connection.
The theme of flights brings me to the importance of being true to ourselves, our (organizational) values, and others. Loyalty is the foundation of verTROWING for a reason, essential to healthy relationships, functioning teams and communities. It requires us to be transparent, avoid subterfuge and goat trails, and stay true to who we really are.
I admire the unparalleled courage and resilience of refugees who, true to their values, find hope and new life despite the intense traumas and losses of the past. This shows the strength of our human adaptability, which is what I call true LIFE skills!
