5 Things x 2016
So it’s been a year since Portland. I was in such a different space then. And I thought it was only appropriate to reflect on what this summer has held for me and what I’ve been up to.
Firstly, FLIPP Advertising came into my life. For a few short months, I got to work beside a close friend and mentor-like-sister before she was presented with another opportunity to join another company. Her name is Rita. I have been writing articles left, right and centre for FLIPP’s magazine, aka. blog. A few of my favourites are: 6 Tips for Applying to FLIPP, Meet a FLIPPer Series and The Social School recap. Speaking of — I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a course on social media strategy presented by the founders of Press + Post, and in turn, learnt a few things, and most importantly connected with a few amazing people in the city.
Secondly, I attended Leadership and Legacy in Union, Washington. Led by the most inspiring, invigorating, and inviting ladies — Joan and Mary. A few takeaways:
• There is a difference between describing vs. evaluating. "This is how I lead" powers over "I am a ____ leader." Free your brain to be present to what's occurring, not what you evaluate it to be.
• Your perspective of the future has more influence than the past. You are still developing, be gentle on yourself, non judgemental, you are not perfect – this is your avenue to self awareness.
• Listening to someone without asking questions opens things up. It gives the speaker space, lets them know you're listening and often makes them feel less judged. Sounds silly? It is. But watch for it – we do it all the time.
• Be present for someone's story without having to do anything about it. Can you expand your capacity to hear?
• I got to redefine leadership to be a conversation which supports mutual growth and learning with a bias toward action.
And thirdly, I’ve grown tremendously in the area of relationships. Anyone who knows me well, has a very good idea about how open and willing I am to connect with strangers. I’ve had to do it my whole life – traveling and moving around overseas, and maybe that’s what makes me so “good” (ie. comfortable) with it. But since I moved to Calgary, I’ve been pretty reserved when it comes to who I get close to — but this summer, I created anew. I feel like I hit reset. And it feels so good. I’ve been dying for consistency, stability, and the opportunity to stop trying to "figure it out."
Fourth, I’ve read three books. Sidhartha, How To Heal Your Life and I re-read Conscious Loving. Now that’s nothing to brag about — I know. But for me, just finishing one is, especially when I have so many other things going on. But I’ve really enjoyed it. And my life feels fuller when I’m reading. My theory: I’m not living life strictly through my POV. And we all need to get out of our heads sometimes. I know I do.
Fifth, I met JB. Yes. Justin, freaking, Bieber. Well sort of. He rented the lake house four houses from me, ironically the first house on "Last Chance Way." Summary: I got to watch him play with a white bow + arrow, frolic in the water – in his white Calvins, paddle board, I spoke to his Dad (Jeremy) and Justin and I exchanged words while he was fishing. It was something I will never forget. I didn't take a single photo – a true fan, respecting his space. Next time you hang with my parents, you have to ask them about their experience meeting him – way better.
So as this summer wraps itself up I must say, it’s been pretty, pretty good. Sidenote — if you haven’t seen Stranger Things on Netflix yet. Stop, and go. Right now. Hit play. It's excellent!
But back to recapping this thing up. September is going to be grand. I have a new roommate moving in, Jessie (my dog) is going to be spending some time with me while my parents are in Arizona, and I have plans to spend some time in Sylvan before the fall hits us in October. I am sitting at Rosso in Inglewood, just picked up my brand new SE iPhone (the 5S size with 6S capabilities). I erased my phone today, all messages — gone. And it feels fantastic.
Here's to an exciting fall.