A lot has changed in the world since my last email a short two weeks ago. It’s an uncertain and anxiety-provoking planet to reside on at this time.
I hope you’re doing okay.
Pandemics. Wars. Floods. It's heavy stuff. The dominant themes I’ve picked up on in my community are those of helplessness, powerlessness, and sometimes, hopelessness. And of course, a side of rage. I notice all of those things in myself, too. How can we possibly meet such big feelings?
The best advice I can offer is the old adage:
‘Think global, act local.’
To that end, I want to invite you to reflect on the concept of being ‘fit for service’. Not in the context of military service, though that’s the grim reality faced by some of our brothers and sisters. But in terms of the way you show up to your life and those who are right in front of you. Those who you can impact physically, those with whom you share your space, and those who you can impact through connecting virtually to offer and receive emotional support. Or even sharing financial resources, in case that is something that is available to you, appropriate and in line with your values (you get to decide that, no guilt required). Reflect on your circle of influence and the resources you have.
Can a short moment of introspection before you take that local action help you show up more empowered, and therefore have a more meaningful impact on the collective? I think so.
Pause. Breathe. Like, REALLY breathe, down into your belly, use your diaphragm.
For those of you who are struggling to know how to act, know this, you don’t HAVE to act. We all show up to life with our own “stuff”. Many of the people I work with in my coaching practice come in with a primary stress response of freezing. That makes it really hard to act in the face of fear and chaos. If that’s you, give yourself permission to comfort yourself and wait until you’re ready. Even a smile to a stranger in the street or a short message to let someone know you’re thinking of them can have an enormous impact. So don’t discount what you can get done while also self-soothing and working through any sense of immobility. It’s okay. It’s common. It’s just not talked about much. Your deep presence with what is also holds an enormous gift. Please feel free to reply if you’re wondering what that is and I’ll share further. Aiming to keep this email (a bit) short for your fellow readers!
One of the key themes in the spotlight at the moment is leadership. At a global level. And things aren’t looking good in many parts of the world. Politics aside, knowing most of us are best equipped to act locally - what can we do in terms of how we show up and lead our families, our businesses, our careers, our communities or our lives generally?
In case you have space to dive deeper, you might like to tune in to my recent podcast interview with Christi Scarrow, Executive Coach and Partner at Lighthouse Nine Group, a management consulting firm in Canada. You can watch it on YouTube here or listen to the podcast here.
This is part of Christi’s Truth Warrior interview series. She’s lined up some great experts so you might like to tune in if more conscious, empowered leadership is something you’d like to see in the world.
From March 7-9, I will also be a guest at Blanca Vergara’s Wounds to Wings Summit. You can sign up to take part here. Blanca is an embodiment of what leading from the feminine looks like. She welcomes everyone, but most importantly women, to join live or on the replay to learn something about how they can show up from a more empowered place too.
Signing off shortly, but as a final reminder: you are human, having a human experience. Compassion, compassion, compassion.
Learning to navigate your emotions powerfully is not for the faint of heart. Choosing to be different in how you show up to life will inevitably be met with resistance. And, the process is non-linear. Be gentle with yourself. As much as you can, but especially now. You're doing great.
“I’ll take care of me for you, if you take care of you for me.” - Jim Rohn
Broadcasting peace this Wellness Wednesday. What will you do for your wellness, and your personal peace today?