Growing from the unexpected
This article was provided by Debra Sunderland as part of our Member Content program.
Since I broke my foot this past weekend, I am unable to walk, ride my bike, or even stand for any length of time. As I am really faced with being still, I wonder what I can learn. For an athlete who never enjoys being inactive, I am exploring this unforeseen path that I would never have chosen.
What are my choices for the next eight weeks? At times, I am trying to pull my mind back from racing into despair. Even when I was very active quieting my mind was not a part of my natural routine. I have had to continue learning to sit still and just be. And now with this body having to rest, I wonder how I can really be in the moment more than ever. Just because my body is forced to be inactive, does not mean that my brain will follow. What I need is restoration for my body, mind and soul!
I am also thinking of the companies and leaders that I coach: they are facing unknown results and consequences and may be feeling out of control. My coaching work is focused on how to be 100% responsible for oneself at all times. No blaming, shaming or trying to change another person and no blaming of self either. Instead, I encourage my clients to think about how to grow and learn even during unwanted results. Growth is sometimes painful and uncomfortable–In fact, I think that in order to stretch, there will usually be discomfort.
While my running is on hold for a good reason, I am working on being conscious. For me to be conscious, I have been taking one idea, task or want at a time. I am practicing breathing, being more present and feeling my thoughts all the way through to completion.
These last few years, I have noticed that I need to quiet my thoughts for a sustainable life of joy, connection, peace and lasting success. Being really diligent on where I choose to dwell makes all things flow from there. Relationships, businesses and environments are all affected by who I choose to be, and who you choose to be.
What does this look like for you? What “fractures” are you enduring in work and life –and what can you learn from this?
Sharing what I learn during this time with my family, friends and clients brings me happiness and a greater sense of purpose. As I put myself first, I am again reminded of how valuable each persons is – and that I can only give after I fill up on the inside.
How are you filling up and pouring into your teams? How can you slow yourself down today and wonder? Who are you called to be right now and how can you shut off the noise around you? What is most important in your thoughts?
We know that creating engaging, sustainable and conscious companies is the answer to creating the next generation of leaders who want to make a difference. Will you remember to lead yourself first and practice engaging all of you, including your body, mind and soul? Can you hear who you are and how you are called to be 100% responsible to you alone? Making this your foundation, you will call in your genius and shine wherever you are. And leaders who lead this way will draw others who align with changing the world, one person at at time.
Habits to observe: looking inside or outside for the answers? Reacting or creating? Honoring doing or being? With this noticing, you have unlimited choices and opportunities to shift, learn and grow. This is all very good!
To see more from Debra Sunderland, visit her website.
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