Lean in and Go There

Within each network of relationships, formal or informal, a vocabulary will eventually develop. Buzzwords.

In my network two common phrases are "go there" and "lean in." While it's difficult to nail down exactly what these phrases mean, both are related to choosing to engage (and stay engaged with) difficult situations, challenges, learning opportunities.

I saw Tedeschi Trucks band last month and I remember physically "leaning in" and also "going there." I was sitting at the edge of my seat. (So that's where the cliche came from...) His slide playing was interesting, unique and compelling.

I assume that Mr. Trucks has spent many, many hours alone "leaning in" and "going there" with his guitar when he might have preferred to be doing something else. Because of that his audience gets the chance "go there" and may find themselves "leaning in" without meaning to.

That's an encouraging thought whether "leaning in and going there" means getting up the nerve to play at an open mic, apologizing rather than defending yourself, paying attention to or admitting your feelings, exercising, trying for a new job or forgiving someone who hurt you.