An unlikely reminder from the Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa Liubov Abravitova (tear-jerker)

It's been a marathon.

From Detroit, Michigan, to Atlanta, Georgia, to Johannesburg, South Africa, to Nairobi, Kenya, to Accra, Ghana, to New York, New York, to Harrison, New Jersey, to Detroit, Michigan, you can only imagine. If reading that long list of stops put you out of breathe, imagine what my mind, body and soul is feeling as I am writing this piece.

I'm still recovering from jet-lag but there's no time for downtime. I am back home and the children just happen to be home on winter break from school this week.

Talk about good timing, right? ... 🥴

I thought I could catch up on sleep while they're at school but I was quickly reminded that they are home on break when I walked into screams of joy mid-afternoon after my husband brought me home from the airport.

But, it's all perspective.

You see, I walked back into my home as I do every trip but this time it was different. It was intentional because of a recent encounter with the Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova.

Let me give you some context.

Typically when I prepare myself for a long trip away from home, I do my best to put structures and people in place to keep systems flowing. Oh, how I love structure and systems. I love for things to flow, especially in my household. I mean, how else will I keep my sanity running multiple companies with three children, a husband and a dog 😭? The dog part was never a part of my plan, but let me not digress. I've learned to love our South African Boerboel as if I birthed him myself (did I mention he's like 140 pounds? send help, please 🥴).

But, even with these preparations, I usually walk back into the complete opposite of what I've put in place.

The children are off their sleeping schedule.

The children are watching more television than usual.

The children have been using more technology than usual.

The children are randomly eating snacks and treats.

There's piles of mail stacked on the dinning table unopened.

There's a backlog of laundry.

My desk area in my office had turned into a play-pin at Chuckie Cheeses.

Must I continue?

I think you've got the point. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm sure a lot of these things were being addressed in some form or fashion while I was out of the house, but it's not the same when mommy is in town. Right? I know you can relate (momma's raise your hand 🙋♀️ ).

For this reason, I've walked into my home many times after coming back from a trip with anxiety and a sense of overwhelm at the front door because of the anticipation of what needed to be done behind the door instead of staying present in the moment to that fact that I've made it home safe and sound.

... and that's the unlikely reminder from Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa Liubov Abravitova.

You see, while in South Africa. Naomi Jordan Cook and I were invited to a private luncheon by a good friend of mine and online business coach, Courtney Sanders. The luncheon was hosted by the wonderful world-renowned jeweler Jenna Clifford in celebration of many things including the 4 year business anniversary for Dineo Pact, founded by Dr. Kirsten Garbini. Dineo Pact produce short bespoke digital learning that creates high impact change using the science of learning & creative digital design.

One of the main speakers during the private luncheon was Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa Liubov Abravitova. In an intimate setting, the ladies gathered around in a living room and began to listen to Ambassador speak about her journey in diplomacy from a place of great vulnerability. All the women in the room represented different cultures, ages, languages, ethnicities, and life experiences.

I could feel the emotions of every word that she shared with us as she visibly fought through a dichotomy of emotions. Joyful to be surrounded by beautiful powerful women from all walks of life but challenged as a leader to bear the weight of a country mourning in the midst of an ongoing war. She walked us through her childhood and many experiences up until her current position as Ambassador. She mentioned that when she began her work in diplomacy, she never imagined helping to lead a country in the middle of a war. That shook me and made me reflect heavily about my leadership.

Many of us welcome leadership. I'll speak for myself; I welcome leadership. But, I don't think I've ever intentionally thought about leadership in the midst of great turmoil and if it's something I would welcome as quickly.

Ambassador selflessly reminded us about how to appreciate time and our loved ones, to hold them tight and close. So many people have lost everything and for others everyone in their family. And for those who have not lost everything or anyone, they live with the constant fear of that very real possibility. It's a fear much stronger for those living in the midst of a war.

Not to deduce the seriousness and gravity of the Russia-Ukraine war, but to apply the lessons I learned from the private luncheon with Ambassador in my life, I decided to open the door when I got home with a different kind of intention.

This intention did not focus on what structures and flows were not in place, but the very people who may have disrupted them. It was an intention not to focus on the screams, but the joy that the screams were rooted in because they (my children) are among the fortunate who can still say, "Hi, mommy. Welcome back home. We missed you."

Thank you Ambassador for being a voice of strength and a ray of sunlight. This article has very little to do with my work in digital technology and diplomacy, but everything to do with me developing as a better more impactful and intentional human being.

Can you relate? Let me know if this reflection served you in any way.

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