Last week, I sent this letter to the people who follow HRuprise. I’ve worn either my bracelet or my necklace to every doctor’s appointment and test I’ve had so far. It’s my own reminder to myself that even in the face of uncertainty, I can still be audacious.
Hello friends,
Though I don’t do it every year, for 2020 I decided to choose a “word of the year” for myself. I chose the word audacity. To me, audacity meant being more personally bold in the work of HRuprise - letting you see more of my fight, my personality, my passion for this work of leveling the playing field for employees in the workplace.
Little did I know just how much audacity I was going to need this year. Just a few days into the new year, I sat in the doctor’s office and heard the words, “I’m sorry. You have breast cancer.”
Up until that moment, I had truly convinced myself that the series of tests I had been going through would all turn out to be no big deal. But it was a big deal. A very big deal.
So even though I’m early in this journey, I’m sharing all of this for a couple of reasons: First, I know that the work of HRuprise will continue to be a huge motivator as I go through treatment. But it’s also clear that logistically, some things are going to have to change for the time being.
Second, I hope that by sharing my experience through this very challenging chapter in my life, you’ll join me in pursuing your own audacity along with me.So with that, here are my intentions for the foreseeable future for HRuprise:
* The Coaching Platform will pause for now and we’ll shift the focus to supporting employees through self-directed online content. We’re working behind the scenes to update the website to reflect our new focus.
* I’ll continue to use Instagram to share my perspective on the events of the day, as well as tips and tricks based on my years of HR experience. I’m more committed than ever to doing my part to level the playing field.
* I’ll engage when I can and take breaks when I need to. (The breaks will probably be more often than I want.)
* I’ve been wanting to create a podcast for some time. There may be no better time so I’m putting this intention into the world now!
* I absolutely intend to emerge from this challenge mentally stronger than ever, and I intend for HRuprise to reap the benefits of this growth as well.
From the very beginning of HRuprise, there has been a consistent (and insistent) theme that keeps showing up for me - a theme of creating space for the stories that need to be told. To tell stories that have been quieted is bold. To find the courage to share our own stories is brave.And to step out to explore my own story, when I really don't know how this will go...to me, that feels like the ultimate audacity. And it’s my greatest intention for this year.
I hope you’ll come explore the untold stories with me.
-Rebecca