Bravely Connected

When I look at the times I have felt feelings of depression, I’ve noticed it’s been during times I haven’t been aligned with who I truly am. Recently, I experienced this firsthand. All week I woke up feeling crippling self-doubt and negative thoughts. leading me to sadness. But through reflection and conversation, I’ve realized that many people, especially women in leadership roles, face similar struggles.

Understanding Leadership

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or guiding others in any capacity, you’re a leader. With leadership comes pressure and the burden of expectations. Visionaries, like myself, who dream of making a difference, often feel this pressure. However, the drive to make a difference shouldn’t come from a place of pressure but from a genuine desire for change, and do it in a way that doesn’t rob us of who we are.

The Tall Poppy Syndrome

Standing out as a “tall poppy” often means facing pushback, not just from others but from within ourselves. Recognizing this internal resistance is crucial. It’s normal to experience these feelings, but they signal to us that we may be out of alignment and perhaps overwhelmed.

The Importance of Alignment

Alignment means feeling like YOU. When we’re aligned, life feels more natural and less complicated. Many of us grow up believing we’re only valued when we do things “right,” leading us to settle for less in various aspects of our lives. This lost connection with our true purpose can result in feelings of depression and heaviness.

Recognizing Emotional Signals

Emotions serve as a dashboard for our inner state. Negative self-talk and feelings of inadequacy often indicate a need for change. Paying attention to these signals can guide us back to alignment. For example, my involvement in dance, a passion I’ve nurtured for 25 years, feels effortless and fulfilling. It’s a clear sign of alignment. What is that for you, and what is robbing you of it?

Making Brave Decisions

Transitioning to a more aligned life requires bravery. It involves making difficult decisions and stepping out of comfort zones. Last year, I faced such a decision when I resigned from my job to pursue new opportunities. The process was challenging, but the growth and fulfillment I’ve experienced made it worthwhile.

Practical Steps to Realignment

1. Attune-In Process: Regularly assess your emotional state and thoughts. Notice when you feel overwhelmed or misaligned.
2. Control and Cope: List what you can control and what you cannot. Take actionable steps on controllable aspects and develop coping strategies for uncontrollables.
3. Simplify: Overcomplication often leads to misalignment. Simplify your life by focusing on what truly matters to you.

Creating the Life You Dream Of

Living a life aligned with your true self enhances your mental and emotional well-being and positively impacts your relationships. It takes courage to make changes, but these decisions are essential for a fulfilling life. Reflect on what you dream for your life and take steps to reverse-engineer that vision into reality. Summer is the perfect time to do this.

Your life is worth creating. Embrace your dreams and align your actions with who you really are. If you need guidance, I’m here to help. Together, we can navigate the path to alignment and create the life you deserve. Check out my 45 day journey with audios, a journal, and one coaching session with me to get you feeling more like you again. You can find that by clicking here.