A Little More Space
This summer felt different.
With fewer regular client deadlines and fewer networking meetings on my calendar, I had something I don’t often have: space. Not just space on my calendar, but mental space. And I noticed something interesting: when the pressure was low, my intuition got louder.
I found myself more open to the conversations and connections that happened in the margins of my days. What could I learn from the other parents at summer camp drop-off? What might I discover about someone I happened to meet on a walking tour in Medellín? What would come from a heartfelt conversation with someone I’d never met before at the Purposeful Planning Institute’s Rendezvous in Boulder?
I said yes to some things I might normally have overthought. I also found myself saying no more clearly when something didn’t feel right. The spaciousness made it easier to notice what was actually interesting to me, and what wasn’t. It also reminded me of something I think about often in my work as a philanthropic advisor: space is valuable.
My clients have plenty of demands on their time and attention. Part of my job is to take some of the load off their plates: the research, follow-up, tracking, deadlines, and other minutiae that can make philanthropy feel like another job, allowing them more room to think about what they actually care about.
Ultimately, I don’t want my clients to simply make good philanthropic decisions. I want them to make decisions they feel good about. That requires space to think, to ask questions, to change their minds, to follow their instincts, and sometimes to simply sit with a decision before making it.
Today, I dropped my twins off for their first day of Kindergarten (!!). As I watched them walk into something new, I couldn’t help but think about how much their next chapter feels like mine, too. I’m entering the Fall bringing some of that summer spaciousness with me - more clarity, openness, curiosity and excitement about going deeper with the people and organizations I’m already working with, while staying open to the unexpected connections and ideas that may come along. And, as always, I want to help create more ease and clarity for the people around me.
Happy school year to those who celebrate, and enjoy my next Behind the Advisor in 100 Seconds, featuring an old friend and colleague, Peter Kupferberg of Corient.
