A month ago, as I wrapped 2022 and stepped into 2023, I took a week to dig deep with the most incredible group in Mexico, to reflect on my own leadership, life, and what lays ahead. And while some of the critical takeaways were ones I already “knew,” there was a new level in which these takeaways seeped into my being and consciousness.

Tremendously meaningful and directive as I plan for 2023 and what lays beyond, I wanted to share them with you, too.

🔑 We are so much more than how we identify ourselves. 🙋‍♀️ For many of us, we identify ourselves by a few, particular descriptors, pigeonholing ourselves with what is possible.

Not only does it minimize us, but quickly opens up a can of worms when we do not show up as we expect ourselves to: “magnetic,” "great communicator," "great friend,” or “stellar listener.” And instead of compassionately exploring “what’s up” for us in that moment, the habitual reaction is to self-flagellate and self-minimize: an approach which is widely ineffective and fails to embrace the reality of our wholeness and humanity.

The greater lesson?

The moment we embrace the wholeness of who we are - the completeness of our experience, we stop resisting the moments of “contrast.” Because it is precisely that resistance which causes us pain and suffering.

And as you embrace instead of resist, you access the wisdom, the insight and the completeness of your life and experiences.

🔑 The moment we drop our past we can more quickly create the life we desire. It’s easy - and very normal - to hold on to - and use - past stories as the reasons and justifications for why we are the way we are: resentful, angry, frustrated, not where we want to be.

But the moment we drop those stories, and simply instead look at where we are, and what we want to create - we no longer create from the past, but from a blank slate full of potential with a whole new spectrum of paint.. THAT is far more powerful than only using the colors of the past.

Ready to embrace your wholeness? Reach out. Let’s Connect for 1:1 leadership development. And if you want to join a community that is already doing so, join our Calm & Connect Mindfulness Community.