What is worth doing, even if we fail?

A year ago, The Connective did not yet have a name.

At the onset of the pandemic, I saw an opportunity. I reached out to teachers in my network. What issues had they been struggling with? What was their vision for an equitable industry?

Every 1:1 I had was invigorating and worthwhile, but not all of them translated to a commitment to co-create something new.

Being another white-led space in the wellness industry was not an option. Without having diverse voices and lived experiences at the table from the start, we would be destined to perpetuate harm. We made a concerted effort to reach out for referrals. We would not launch until at least half our group was BIPOC.

Together, we came up with our mission.

What is a mission, anyway?
Is a mission something that can easily be accomplished in a year?
Is a mission a promise of an outcome?

Hell no.

For me, a mission answers the question: what’s worth doing, even if we fail?

A year in, I stand behind what we’ve created for this reason. If it was easy, it would have been done. If it was easy, more people would be attempting it. It’s not easy.

I’m reminded of Brené Brown’s words:
“When we make the choice to dare greatly, we sign up to get our asses kicked. We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time.”

Thank you to every teacher-owner here with us now, choosing courage over and over again.

Thank you to every teacher-owner who has walked alongside us, for any length of time this year.

Thank you to every single person that has seen the value in what we are doing, and is supporting us.

We’re doing this together.

Written by Markella Los