What will your wake-up call lead to?
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Have you ever had a “wake-up call” that changed your awareness in some way?
I received an email the other day with a story that indicated a wake-up call had occurred. It was not dramatic or earth-shattering, but as I read it the note, I could see how meaningful it was.
Awareness was opened in a notable way. And that awareness lead to important impact.
What can happen when you explore
The woman who wrote to me shared a story that began when she watched a documentary that I have recommended to many people in recent weeks.
The 13th (that’s titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, and available on Netflix and YouTube) opened my eyes about the history of race, justice and mass incarceration in our country. It brings to light the ways that the decades of policy since the end of the Civil War have contributed to so many ills that people of color have suffered, and continue to suffer, today.
What happened after she watched the documentary was remarkable.
She described a conversation she had with a close friend, soon after watching The 13th, in which she explored a new awareness about language that most of us use without a second thought — language that carries deep pain for so many.
She shared that the conversation she had was meaningful, for her and for her friend, and that she is now more aware of many subtle ways that pain like that is inadvertently and routinely perpetuated.
This was a powerful insight, for which she is grateful.
When we are open to new learning we gain so much
In addition to the day-to-day focus we have on our families and our work, we can invite enrichment into our lives.
We are enriched when we learn, and we can gain important new awareness. When we have a wake-up call related to subtle ways we have been uniformed, it can be incredibly valuable.
And we can take that new awareness a step further.
By bringing the awareness into a conversation, or when we consider things we used to say, or do, or write without a second thought, and consciously make a change, we grow and expand.
Not only do we benefit, we impact those around us.
And in that way, we impact the world.
Amazing, isn’t it?
How will you take a step to look for more knowledge?
You may dive in to explore more that is related to systemic racism, and the impact it has in our society.
You may want to learn more about another challenge that concerns you — the environment, educational inequities, poverty, homelessness, the pandemic, the state of our democracy, and more.
These are all excellent possibilities.
Exploring and learning = taking action
And, talking with others is important action, too. It not only expands your own awareness, you share your new awareness.
In turn, others are likely to become more aware and initiate or contribute to more conversations. And so the impact grows.
This is what leadership looks like
When you develop awareness about an issue or problem you want to help address, and are motivated to help resolve it, you are poised to proceed in any number of ways.
I always recommend that you start with small, conscious efforts, and build from there as you wish. Seek inspiration from others. Invite collaboration. Think creatively to devise a range of interesting approaches to pursue.
When you stay aligned with your values and step forward with courage you are leading, and modeling for others to do the same. You are impacting the world in your unique and important way.
The world needs the greatness in all of us.
We can each step into our power.
We can all live big.
I invite you to consider the impact you want to have — in your personal life, in your work, and in the world — by stepping into your power, and living all of your greatness.
Schedule a Live Big Breakthrough Call with me. I’ll help you gain insight and clarity about what you want to create in your life, the impact you want to have, and challenges or questions that may be limiting you. And if we both think there’s a good fit, I can tell you about a new coaching program I have created that’s starting soon, and how it may be able to support you to create the future you want.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Stay safe and well, and keep creating
