Bob the Builder Blues


Hey Reader! đź‘‹

When my daughter was in preschool, we watched "Bob the Builder," a cartoon about believing in yourself, having a "can-do" attitude, and fixing things. During my conversation today with Dimple Dhabalia, I was reminded of this show, so grounded in our Western culture of productivity.

We’ve been sold a lie that productivity is the ultimate measure of worth. Since the dawn of industrialization, we’ve been conditioned to prioritize "output" over connectivity, community, and even our own bodies. We tell ourselves we have to "fit into the machine," and when we can't keep up, we call it burnout.

When it comes to grief, we feel unease because we don't know what to do beyond repeating the conditioned responses we've been socially taught—"I'm so sorry for your loss." When we do wade in, we give ourselves the job of distracting and fixing the pain of grief.

Dimple introduces the concept of a "Ministry of Presence"—the radical act of being with someone in their pain without trying to change it or "fix" it.

Reader, isn't that such a beautiful idea? Here's how to practice it:

  1. Broaden Your Permission to Grieve: Acknowledge that grief is part of many transitions and not reserved for death. Accept that grieving is a natural response to any type of loss.
  2. Practice "Love in Action": Connection isn't built in a day. It’s built intentionally, slowly, and over time. Reach out to a friend who experienced a loss months ago—it’s the card that keeps coming that matters most.
  3. Kill the "Burden" Story: We often stay silent to keep others "comfortable". The next time you’re struggling, be specific. Tell your community exactly what you need—whether it’s a meal next week or someone to sit in silence with you today.

As Dimple reminds us: It takes a village to live as a human being. Let’s stop "saving" each other and start showing up.
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​Catch the whole conversation here or starting tomorrow on your favorite podcast platform.

Here's this week's three powerful questions Activation Guide: TSITM Ep 67 journal.pdf​​​​​​​

​​PS - I really encourage you to check out Dimple's "Love in Action" cards.

Rita Ernst, Positivity Influencer

My weekly emails are for you if you want a transformational SHOT OF POSITIVITY that makes you think, gets you laughing, and sparks a positive change. Start each week inspired.

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