Lately I’ve noticed something unusual. It’s showing up in organisations I’m working with, listening to friends and colleagues talk about their work, and also in my own interactions.
It’s not dramatic, just quietly hanging around the edges. Meetings that tip into conflict that a year ago wouldn’t have registered. Teams that can’t seem to get on the same page no matter how many meetings or interventions there are. A feeling of competitiveness that is creeping into spaces where there used to be collaboration. People seem to be functioning in a state of constant dysregulation.
We’re tired. Really tired.
Which is what made it extra special when I caught up with a group of tired women last week for an impromptu night of music bingo. Almost everyone at the table had had a genuinely rubbish day. The kind of day where going home and putting your PJs on was far more appealing than going out and people-ing. More than one of us said out loud I was going to cancel or I nearly didn’t come.
What happened next surprised me, even though I workshop this kind of stuff with people every day!
There’s something almost primal about being in a room full of people, most of whom you don’t know, all rooting for the same small, silly outcome (in this case a jug of Sangria or a slightly cringey piece of merch). We shouted the answers. We helped total strangers with song names. There was a spot of middle-aged karaoke when the true bangers came on. And at one point some impressive synchronised interpretive dance.
Despite being close, none of us got to call out BINGO. No jug of sangria arrived at our table. Nobody went home with a new t-shirt.
But we all left feeling like winners.
For a few hours we’d had permission to be loud, silly, and present. To make space for the laughter, singing, and eating, we’d all had to put our other burdens down, and when it came time to leave, everything felt lighter.
In the wellbeing space we talk a lot about rest, boundaries, and switching off, but it’s easy to forget that rest isn’t always stillness. Sometimes release looks like noise, nonsense, creativity, or activity.
I’d love to know what your version of music bingo is. Where or what is something you do to release everything you’re hanging onto?
Bel x
Every Sunday afternoon, Bel sends the Ignite community a personal note of encouragement – reflection, inspiration, stories, and sharing. It’s our way of helping you prepare for the week ahead. Add your details here to receive Here’s The Thing in your inbox.