Human Being vs. Human Doing

A year of Glimmers

Written by Jess and Jenna

Time flies. A year ago, we hit “publish” on our very first Glimmer, not knowing where the journey would lead.

But there were a few things we did know. We wanted to spread positivity and inspiration. We wanted the work to feel fun and energizing. And we wanted each Glimmer to feel authentic to us and, hopefully, make each of you pause, reflect, and smile.

Over the last year, we have talked with students and each other about the difference between being and doing. So much so that Jess’s one-word theme for the year (yes, she picks a theme word for each year) is “Be”.

Be present. Be bored. Be playful. Be in the moment. Be OK with ambiguity and change. Just be.

So often, as high-achieving individuals, we are constantly doing. Thus, our never-ending to-do list. There is always something to check off the list. Always something next.

We also see this being vs doing idea come up in our student conversations, particularly around purpose. For many, purpose can be difficult to define, and often the starting place is thinking about what they should do - in career or life. In those moments, we offer a gentle reframe: What if purpose is just as much about being as it is about doing? Maybe giving ourselves permission to simply be is one of the ways we step more fully into our purpose.

Because when we’re constantly doing, our minds rarely get a chance to breathe. To wander. To notice. To imagine what’s possible. To be creative and see what’s next. Some of our best ideas don’t come while we’re checking things off a list - they come when we finally slow down.

After all, we’re called human beings for a reason - not human doings.

So as we start a new school year and head into the craziness of fall (for those Anderson students, alumni, staff reading - if you know, you know), we’re giving Glimmers something we all need from time to time: space. A pause to recharge, reflect, and simply be.

Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our Glimmers journey - for reading, sharing, commenting, and growing with us over this past year. Your support has meant more than you know, and for that we are forever grateful. ❤️