Sid Shares #13SidShares

Hi!

Here is my thirteenth monthly dose of “Sid Shares.” A list of what I’m enjoying and exploring.

What a wonderful month June was! Lots of gorgeous sunshine, some much needed rain and a celebration of Father's Day. So much to enjoy amidst the clutches of lockdown. For me, Father's Day is an emotional cocktail of joy (4 wonderful children), happiness (celebration of Dad's everywhere), sadness (missing mine), regret (not having the best relationship with him) and opportunity (to be the Dad I wished I had had). But, regardless of my feelings it's a great day to celebrate the role and privilege us Dad's have. Thanks Dad's :) btw the picture is of me, my sister (Sue), Mum (Pam), Dad (Paul).

Who could have imagined the depth of events we've experienced in 2020! A crazy year so far...but, what I've enjoyed is the opportunity and time to reset, to reflect and become a better version of myself. It's been an opportunity to build a better world for myself, for those around me, for my children, and hopefully for their children. As the saying goes..."it is the learning that comes from the adversity that creates the opportunity for growth".

The shocking events in Minneapolis in May gathered momentum in June and is now reaching global magnification and exposure that is so right for now, and long overdue. I'd like to dedicate the month of July to 'difference'. It's time to debug ourselves and reboot our thinking and feelings towards injustice and difference. A time to look at our bias towards all aspects of our lives.

I recently watched a brilliant series from Emmanuel Acho. It's called Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man and it really is. He raises so many points that give a clear indication of the changes needed. It's well worth an uncomfortable watch!

Rich Roll is someone I listen to on a regular basis and his recent podcast with Adam Skolnick is brilliant. It's a great reflection and discussion on how people are feeling and raises some interesting topics and perspectives. Please watch it.

We all have our personal and collective skeletons and this short film says so much of respecting and dealing with the past. This film on Twitter represents a truth that so many countries should acknowledge.

Sadly none of this is new...discrimination, racism and prejudice has been around forever. COVID is allowing us time to reflect and really think about our lives. For so very many what happened in Minneapolis was the 'tipping point' and it is 'enough'. It reminds me of one of my favourite speeches by Robert F Kennedy in 1968, shortly before he was assassinated. He wanted to change things and create a fairer way of being. Sadly he was silenced.

It's time to check ourselves. Our acceptance, tolerance and understanding of 'difference' begins with ourselves. Our own interpersonal relationship with race and prejudice is the important thing here. Whatever, wherever and however we have that intolerance is where we need to do the work. And yes, I will do my work too.

Here's a great list, courtesy of the brilliant Rich Roll, called the Anti-Racist Resource Guide to help us all be more aware and informed.

A poem that feels more and more relevant is 'The British (serves 60 million)' by Benjamin Zephaniah.

No human race is superior; no religious faith is inferior. All collective judgments are wrong. Only racists make them.
Elie Wiesel

If you would like to, please give me feedback on email, Twitter or Facebook on any of the topics above. Or any thoughts you have or suggestions for the future.

If you would like more information about Meee and the resources please follow this link.

Here’s to celebrating 'difference' in July and beyond. Just keep doing and being your best...

With love and blessings xxx