What I didn’t know
The holiday season is the time of year when we reflect on the triumphs, challenges, and key learnings from the past year. When I think of this time last year, what I know is that I was resolved…resolved that it was time for me to leave my beloved team and company to embark on an independent coaching and consulting journey. There was so much I didn’t, and still don’t, know, but, as I think back on the past year, here are the six key lessons I have learned:
Letting go of control unleashes power: When we give everything over to someone, something, bigger than ourselves, it frees us to live in the moment, to focus on our strengths and, in so doing, unleashes our power.
Redefining our identities unleashes joy: For so many years, my identity was entwined deeply with my work. I loved my job, my colleagues, and my clients. While the work side of my identity was well-developed, other aspects of who I was were hidden in the shadows. When we hit the pause button and embrace all aspects of ourselves, joy is unleashed.
Moving beyond burnout to vitality unleashes energy: When we are in burnout, it’s all we can do to get through each day, but, when we move to a life full of vitality, we discover springs of energy to pursue dreams we never thought we’d realize. We also find the energy to help others realize theirs.
Choosing faith over fear unleashes freedom: For so many years I thought we were born either a person who has faith or who doesn’t. I learned that like love, faith is a choice. If we choose faith, fear disappears and what is left is unimaginable freedom. Suddenly what looked like one solitary path forward reveals a network of potential paths with endless branches and we have the choice which path we take bringing limitless freedom.
Taking a bet on oneself unleashes happiness: When I stopped making excuses not to pursue my dreams and took the bet on myself, I discovered a profound, lasting happiness. So many of my clients have unleashed their potential, and their happiness, by taking the road less traveled…and that has made all the difference.
Surrounding ourselves with support unleashes magic: I never could have imagined how supportive my friends, family, colleagues, and clients would be as I embarked on this journey. I am grateful every day for each and every one of you. When we surround ourselves with positive people who lift us up, we become unstoppable, and this unleashes our magic.
As the United States prepares for its Thanksgiving celebration, I am grateful for all of you. My wish for you in this holiday season is that you are unleashed to accomplish your most audacious dreams.
