Oops I checked the news on vacation

Hello Beautiful Human,

Vacations are for rest- not worrying about the state of the world, right?!? Well, I had a moment, I should tell you about it.

I just returned from an amazing adventure with my family to Japan. We’d been saving and dreaming about it for several years, so for this trip, I committed to REALLY unplug.

It was the ultimate time for being zen, sinking into my practice of presence, and releasing any feelings of “I need to be doing more”.

However, one evening I (foolishly) peeked at the news and as I pulled myself out of the emotional tornado from what I saw I gathered the following wisdom…

These 4 reminders helped me release the worry and stay engaged with the intention of my trip.

I hope you find them useful in maintaining your calm, confidence, and motivation to lead effectively in this moment. Cause whether you’re on vacation or not the news cycle doesn’t stop.

1. Reframe and reconnect with the bigger picture.

The world is an incredibly complex ecosystem that is always changing and shifting.

I try to remind myself that any news tidbit cannot possibly give me all the information or perspectives. And can I consciously decide how much mental and emotional energy I want to invest in it. I invite myself to be thankful that this information is being shared and that people are reacting and taking action. It is not my job to stress over ‘fixing’ things far outside my control.

2. Let go of my superhero complex.

The thought, “I don’t have to save the world” was a profound statement that only began to sink in at some point in my adult life. Technically I’ve always known that it’s not all up to me, but I’m a motivated change agent. I care deeply. I love people. I care about justice. I believe change is possible. And this beautiful mix of passion can sometimes lead me into unhealthy fear, anxiety and urgency to do something – even if that something is just worry. You too? It’s ok. Awareness is powerful.

3. Let go of “all or nothing” thinking.

Doing something actually does matter and helps my mental state. When we believe, “nothing I do will make a different” we give away our power and we reduce our ability to be strong leaders or contributors to the society we desire.

Whether you are boycotting companies in order to hold them accountable (adios, Target), calling your representatives, contributing to causes you care about or simply being an emotionally regulated, inclusive, values driven leader you ARE making a difference.

4. Ground myself in the here & now, and seven-generation theory.

Most of my worry comes from thinking about, “What will happen?”. When I refocus on the truth of the actual present moment I can confidently say, “I am safe and I have all that I need in this moment”. From a place of safety and emotional regulation, I can then ask myself what action do I need or want to take? This helps keep me from reacting in less useful ways.

I do not know what will happen next month or next year, but I can confidently contribute to building a future that benefits future generations. This wider view—considering seven generations, as practiced by many Native communities—keeps me from getting stuck in urgent, anxious energy that actually drains my capacity to do effective work.

Unfortunately, getting away on vacation or taking time off doesn’t build the mental and emotional muscles to navigate the complex and emotional nature of life and leadership.

However, developing the practices and mindsets that acknowledge challenging realities AND supports your ability to show up as an empowered change agent IS possible.

If you want to develop the mindsets and practices that will give you the ability to enjoy and be present on your vacations while also being an effective leader with calm confidence, book a discovery call to explore what is possible.

Join my *free* 25 min guided meditation & community chat on the 3rd Thursday of every month.

-> Thursday April 17 at 12:05pm CT​
(1:05pm ET, 11:05am MT, 10:05 am PT)

-> Click Join with Google Meet http://meet.google.com/mpm-iqzj-xsa​

-> Reset your mind, emotions, & focus midday. You won’t regret it.

Who is Dolores Huerta?

Hey Latinas!!

I’m sharing my Thriving in Transition workshop with the Lean In Latinas Network on Tues. 4/15 at 2pm CT

Interested in having me speak to your organization or network? Message me to discuss options.