As I reflect on an amazing winter break in Uganda, I can now chuckle about my “Curious Case of Discarded Passports, and How I Got New Ones” story, which saved theday and holiday. Problem-solving was critical, and even in the face of wonderment, freezing wasn’t an option.
In February, as we celebrate Black History Month and honor the resilience and creativity of those who paved the way for us, I’m reminded of the importance of resourcefulness in our own lives. I now vaguely remember having a fall cleaning session of emptying my closets. However, right before Thanksgiving, it was my sister who asked if I’d gotten our travel visas, which sparked me to look for my passport, along with my sons’ travel documents. Once I realized they were nowhere to be found, I sprung into action because we had a flight to catch on December 20, 2024, period.
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Humans make mistakes and problems always arise. Learn how to be a problem solver and let your children see you problem solve! Our world could use more problem solvers, especially during these times!
Below are a few lessons I learned that are hopefully applicable in your life.
Focus on the solution, not the problem! Focusing on the problem will keep you stuck. I didn’t have time to answer the question, “How did you throw away three passports?” so instead I called the passport office and other offices to get concrete next steps. No phone tree or customer service hold was too great. I also told my sons I’d take them out of school for a passport-related appointment by any means necessary.
Language is important! Even when things looked grim externally and we still didn’t have a passport appointment in December, I would firmly state to anyone who asked, “We fly out December 20. We’ll be away through the new year and back in action in January.” Maintaining this posture not only kept me encouraged, but it helped me keep chipping away at the long list of action items and next steps.
Keep moving forward! When a problem arises, the easiest thing to do feels like hiding under the covers, canceling your meetings or just rocking on the floor in child’s pose, but that might only make you feel better for five minutes. While I did give myself some time for a pity party, I kept appointments on the books and was even interviewed on someone’s podcast the day after I realized our passports were gone!
Finishing up the 2024 leg of their “Together We Might” comedy tour just one day before the US presidential election, attorneys Jasmine Burton andElizabeth Booker Houston masterfully blend their legal expertise with stand-up comedy to tackle complex social issues, from healthcare reform to racial justice.
The episode explores their unique paths to comedy — Jasmine’s journey coinciding with her sobriety, and Elizabeth drawing inspiration from the “Kings of Comedy.” Through personal stories, including Elizabeth’s powerful use of dark humor to process her brother’s murder and childhood health issues, they demonstrate how comedy can transform pain into purpose.
🚀 Pod Alert!🎙️✨Season 1 of Radical Acts Uncut wrapped - catch up on past episodes! 🚀
Hosted by me, Jacqueline Lara, Radical Acts Uncut uncovers the moves and mindset shifts that transform challenges into opportunities. These conversations are about resolve, bravery, and finding beauty in the mess. And the best part? Listeners are invited to share their radical acts in our Radical Report.
Subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you stream your podcasts. Follow on IG @RadicalActsUncut for behind-the-scenes content.
Thank you to everyone who has tuned in! This podcast isn’t just about sharing radical acts—it’s about uncovering and celebrating them too. Let us know which ones have been your favorite!
🎧 Have you tuned in yet? If so, we’d love to hear what you think—leave us a review! If not, catch up wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, and let us know your thoughts.
Before I go, here are some resources to keep you encouraged:
Elite special forces don’t complain about defenses—they adapt their tactics or create new ones. When a primary route is compromised, they don’t waste time lamenting. They quickly shift to another approach. Elite athletes don’t complain about defenses—they find the gap or create one.
Face the obstacle. Find the gap. Or make one.”
Mpact Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
