Be Big. Be Bold. Be Bright.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 4:26PM Hugs, exclamations, laughter, and chat chat chat!
Coffee made, table set.
One by one a quick resume of how things have been over the last year. Some highlights, some hardships. Lots of listening, lots of support and lots of love.
That was how my day started last Tuesday, when a group of senior women I worked with for 2 years came back together to reflect on the ups and downs of the last year and decide on what’s next for them in their career and in their personal lives.
One of the things we explored was IKIGAI; is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being", it is very similar to the French phrase Raison d'être. Everyone, according to the Japanese, has an IKIGAI. It indicates the source of value in one's life or the things that make one's life worthwhile.
Reflect your own IKAGAI, answer the questions:
- What are you good at?
- What do you love?
- What does the world need?
- What can you be paid for?
Where these overlap, that is your very own unique sweet spot!
Beware of the little voice inside your head.
You know the one. The one that says – you aren’t that good at that, you couldn’t get paid for that, I’d never get paid for doing what I love – and on and on – that little voice that is looking out for you in a way, but is really really afraid for you to take any risks and wants you to play small!
I’m reminded of the Marianne Williamson poem:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
So gently tell your voice to take some time off. And allow yourself to DREAM! Dream about what it would be like to living and working every day in your sweet spot.
Be Big. Be Bold. Be Bright.
Think about the impact it would have on you and those around you.
My group left with their chins a little higher and their steps a little lighter (well we did do some dancing at the end of the day!) each armed with a view of the future they had not dared think about before now. I for one cannot wait to see what happens next. I am reminded of my IKIGAI!
Happy International Women’s Day!
Love Anne