Alarms going off
All seven (7) of my smoke alarms went off at midnight!
My first thought was that one of the children was cooking bacon, because that is a daily occurrence around here, but then I realized that the conducting alarm that began the chorus was outside my bedroom which is NOT the bacon alarm.
Because I am vain, and I don’t think the world should see my late evening attire, I used a minute, grabbed my robe and ran out the bedroom door. The cat, Steve, was freaking out. One child was freaking out while the other, who is literate and trained in all things fire was “doing his thing” and checking breakers, feeling for heat on walls, and giving us directions. My partner and I googled various versions of “why did all the smoke alarms go off?"
Thankfully, no one was hurt and there was no fire. We did a final check and got nestled all snug in our beds. The Talking Heads song, Burning Down the House was on repeat in my mind (I am an 80’s gal), and I am one of those who DOES play Sudoku on their phone before bed in hopes that it will wear my mind out and I will finally fall asleep. While playing, I received multiple terrifying instructions and videos about fire safety from my son while my partner devised our escape route out the window with sheets tied to the Peloton.
I love a good story illustration and couldn’t pass on this one. David Byrne, lead singer for the Talking Heads said, “Burning Down the House wasn’t about arson. When I wrote the lyrics in 1982, the title phrase was a metaphor for destroying something safe that entrapped you. I envisioned the song as an expression of #liberation, to break free from whatever was holding you back.”
What is holding you back?
How are you entrapped?
What change are you afraid of?
What has you stuck?
What alarms are going off?
Change is the opportunity for growth. Often, you need someone to come alongside of you on your journey when those alarms go off. I welcome the opportunity to see what is inhibiting growth in your professional success as well as your organizational success.
