UPDATE…LOL…

UPDATE…HAHA… Yeah, I'm a bit behind and haven't really kept you up to date since I briefly described my first work week at ROCKEFELLER (HEHE…still cracks me up inside). Sooooo, I still have the job and it's still just as challenging as when the contract negotiations started back in October last year ;-) The team has grown even closer together and I've been able to perceive an incredible number of positive changes. But the real kicker was my daily journeys by tram, S-Bahn and on foot through Berlin, since I had to go all the way to Ahrensfelde. I'll skip describing the reasons why my departure was delayed by almost 3 weeks, but I don't want to withhold the triggers in bullet points: - new ERP system introduced - mobile technology not delivered - planning difficulties for apartment dissolution - scheduling issues with the movers - weather And that should suffice, though of course there were and are other aspects that have influenced my journey again and again, are currently influencing it, and will continue to influence it in the future. Life, you know 😍 What I've experienced in these last weeks is, however, unique for me so far, since I'm essentially riding a wave of love, peace, tolerance, openness, truth, respect, …that motivates me, delights me and lets me stride through the world incredibly happy. This includes the story of an elderly couple to whom I offered "my" bench seat on the S-Bahn, just as much as the junkie from Marzahn, whose life changed at Warschauer Brücke for a touching, wonderful moment (perhaps also for his future, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him), all the way to an ex-Foreign Legionnaire who told me his emotional, intense story about his multi-year deployments in South America and East Africa. Apart from these 3 examples, there are similar stories that I was privileged to experience daily and that have deeply moved me. If anyone's interested, let's chat ;-) Where is this text leading? (Yes, for some people it's already waaaayyyy too long again…what can I say, either you have the leisure for comprehending reading or you don't, your thing 😜 ) Finally, I want to let you share in the incredibly positive life situations that are happening to me (here also again my thanks to @rieke for these wonderful lines, which very aptly and succinctly, above all "value-free," show a perspective that many people in my former environment often valued veeeery differently and/or still value, while they left my "sphere of influence," had to leave…) and which I've been allowed to learn to deal with. It was, it is all there: sadness about my "departure" and joy about my path! I say THANK YOU to everyone who has communicated with me in the most diverse ways, who were and are part of my transformation process that has been going on for over a year ;-). And to convey exemplarily what I'm writing about, here's the "assessment" from my boss, which shows me in such a humanly touching way that I'm no longer the combative warrior who provocatively (I'll leave out arrogant, condescending, know-it-all, …and all the other negative connotations that I've experienced in recent years 😁 ) on which I was shown an image of myself that I couldn't "paint" for myself, but am now ready to accept: "Dear Iven, after four weeks of working together, I would like to give you some personal feedback – even though this assessment isn't entirely easy for me. Due to my accident and the existing sick time, our time together in everyday work was unfortunately shorter than I would have wished. I have therefore only been able to experience you directly over a short period. That's precisely why it's important for me to say how much the time we actually were able to work together impressed me. What you bring professionally is exceptional. Your depth in understanding complex topics, your clarity in thinking and your very precise way of analyzing stand out clearly. You grasp connections quickly and bring in perspectives that go beyond what's expected. In several areas you're ahead of me professionally – and I don't perceive this as a matter of course, but as a great enrichment. The exchange with you broadens my own view and challenges me in a very positive way. Your way of addressing things is clear, direct and to the point – always respectful and impeccable. You say what needs to be said, without detours and without blurriness. This straightforwardness creates clarity and trust and ensures that conversations retain substance. Your presence is already having a positive effect on the team as well. The atmosphere in the room is more lively than ever. The conversations have become professionally deeper, discussions more focused and decisions more clearly prepared. There's noticeably more mental sharpness and structure in the exchange. You contribute to this with your calm, professional and clear manner in a remarkable way. On a human level, I find you a great enrichment. Your manner is open, reliable and respectful. With you, people know where they stand – and precisely this clarity creates trust and stability in working together. If I may say so quite personally: For me you are a 10 out of 10, both professionally and personally. I'm grateful that you're part of our journey, and I very much look forward to further collaboration and to everything we will develop together and learn from each other. With great respect and genuine appreciation!" Am I grateful? Absolutely, since this personal "assessment" was neither expected nor set as a goal by me. TRANSFORMATION is happening…not only in the "OUTSIDE," but, or perhaps especially in the INSIDE! Apparently because it's "due," "meant to be"!? SO, enough content and text have been delivered, material for conversation and questions is available, and after a fine day at and with Tine (Happy Birthday still continuing) + Björnski, plus kids and mother-in-law, it's time for me to settle down, let the day pass, just as I will also move on tomorrow, after my workday…to Zerbst, to my birthplace. Thank you, those of you who have said goodbye to me so far, because I look forward to all those with whom this still lies ahead ;-) Yes, there are a few more photos here following this text… I wish all of you who are part of this journey of mine a wonderful course of the evening, a peaceful and restful night, and tomorrow a joyful awakening! Make the "BEST" of it, it's worth it…especially for the "OTHERS"! GOOD NIGHT, ME