Last week I posted about showing up authentically.
I've since found this wonderful little poem from Shel Silverstein.
When you show up as who you (really) are, the people who will like you, understand you, support and "get" you, will be able to recognise you much more easily.
This is as true professionally, as it is personally. So be brave and be you.
As I continue to grow (both personally and professionally), I'm getting better at showing up "real". Without the layers of protective armour that we all grow to try and protect ourselves. I'm less willing to sacrifice authenticity for approval.
I'm saying what I think. Dressing how I want. Listening to my body and working with my moods and energy as well as my values and purpose. Telling my truth. Not apologising when I'm not sorry.
And I've noticed something.
The more "me" I am, the more others trust me. People intuitively know when someone is being fake. Their gut tells them. And why should they reveal themselves to you, if you won't show who you really are.
Trust is important in all relationships, and it is incredibly important in coaching.
So, my advice? Be so authentic that everyone else feels safe to be themselves too.
Looking up
I’m seriously rethinking my relationship with my iPhone. I’m working on (literally) looking up, not down.
And as a result, life is becoming calmer and sweeter and more joyful. I’m feeling more creative too. I’ve enough mental space for ideas to germinate and clarity to emerge.
1 hour a day is my “allowance” of screen time as my (admittedly imperfect) guide. 28 hours a month – it still sounds like a lot but it’s hard.
I know what addiction looks like and this “itchy” feeling of wanting to reach for my phone constantly feels a lot like that. And of course, it’s not as easy as locking it away or leaving it at home and denying my access. I still want the convenience it offers with access to messages, calls, TripView, Wallet and a dozen other useful apps.
So (for me) it’s all about flexing the muscle – learning to have access to the phone, but not abuse it. And I’m doing okay. What about you?
At 106 years old, tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od from the Philippines is the oldest person ever to appear on the cover of Vogue. For the full article https://vogue.ph/magazine/apo-whang-od/
I know there is a long way to go, but I'm so happy to be living at a time where there is heightened awareness of diversity and inclusion, concepts of beauty are evolving, and ageist stereotypes are beginning to crumble.
How wonderful. For all of us.
This week I've been feeling a bit flat and unmotivated. Please don't be disappointed that a coach can feel this way - we're still human!
Is it an inevitable slump after the energy that a new year brings? Or maybe it's that the mornings are suddenly getting darker (here in Sydney anyway). To be honest, it could be 100 things.
But we all have these feelings occasionally right?
We can't always choose how we feel but we can choose how we respond. I can tell you what I'm not doing - I'm not beating myself up. Or choosing this week to climb some incredibly challenging mountain.
What I am doing is being kind to myself and reflecting on how I can 'fill my cup'. For me that's a dip in the ocean tomorrow. And leaving the mobile phone at home when I do.
What do you do when you're feeling blah?
With international women’s day this week, you’ll be inundated with messages around women’s empowerment, so I’ll keep it brief.
As a coach, what I know for sure, is that women are often hyper critical when it comes to judging themselves. Everything changes when you flip that narrative.
Start on the inside and you’ll begin to come into your power.
Today I volunteered at Dress for Success Sydney. I try and go every couple of weeks and it brings me such joy. I love the clients, the volunteers and team leaders, the clothers and styling work and of course the permanent team – I’m pictured here with the divine Julie Stocca whose warmth, enthusiasm and positive energy absolutely make my day every time I walk in the door.
I feel like they’re my people. My tribe. Where’s yours?
I know life is busy and of course not everyone has the option of taking time out of work. And it can be tricky finding time after hours.
But here’s the thing – giving back will give to you. Your life will improve. People who volunteer are happier. Purpose makes you live longer. Your life could be immeasurably richer. Research backs this up although I’m hoping you’ll take my word for it.
For me there is one caveat though – you should enjoy it.
Find something you care about and do something you love. Whether that’s bush regeneration, coaching the kids soccer team, volunteering abroad or being on a board. When it comes to volunteering, no one wants a martyr. They want you if you want to be there.
