As we conclude our two Women's LEAD events for this year, the Vancouver event held in June provided us with a profound source of motivation to embrace bravery and vulnerability in our pursuit of fulfillment in daily life. Personally, I am deeply inspired by the lessons they shared, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself and navigating life's journey authentically. Moreover, it resonated with me that we are all fundamentally similar; what sets us apart is the unique purpose we seek to fulfill.
A recurring theme that emerged from the lively discussions was bravery. The significance of embracing bravery lies in its ability to grant us permission to be authentically ourselves. By daring to challenge ourselves with bravery, we unleash the forces that foster unity among individuals.
As the panelists shared their powerful stories, one thing was clear. Each panelist's intention in participating was to share their experiences, hoping that the wisdom they gained over time would benefit and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Saschie, when asked the question of intention, responded that while we all strive and push ourselves for growth, it’s important for her to connect with people. She wants them to know that they are not alone in their journey and to help them recognize their own strengths.
The Path to Purpose
In today’s comparative world, where social media surrounds us, there is often pressure to live up to certain standards and meet societal expectations. However, Carol taught us a valuable lesson - we don't have to tick off boxes on a checklist of society's expectations in order to find happiness. Our happiness should not be tied to meeting those external criteria. Instead, we can discover purpose in our own unique paths and align our careers with that purpose. Although the search for purpose may be challenging, it's important to recognize that it evolves over time and may not always align with our initial expectations. When we have a clear path and intention, it is truly remarkable what we can achieve.
Erasing the Word 'Balance'
For Martha, her focus is on fulfillment rather than the pursuit of happiness and balance. I enjoyed hearing her perspective on balance, which validated something I have known for quite some time - it doesn't actually exist. We often place unfair pressure on ourselves to achieve an impossible feat, one that inevitably leads to guilt. Martha recalled a passage in Michelle Obama's book, "The Light We Carry," which discussed the idea that we can have it all, just not all at the same time. I strongly believe that we should shift our language from "work-life balance" to "work-life fulfillment" and work together to build a movement around this empowering narrative.
Finding your Superpower
As a psychiatrist and medical professional, Diane confronted her own personal battle with burnout. This experience ignited her passion and deepened her commitment to revolutionize mental healthcare through innovation, education, and compassion. Diane considers vulnerability to be her superpower. By bravely and openly sharing her own experiences, she has inspired others, both within and outside the medical profession, to also open up and share their struggles. When leaders demonstrate the courage to lead with vulnerability, it has a powerful ripple effect on those around them. It is crucial that we embrace the idea that it's okay not to be okay and recognize that by sharing our stories and journeys, we provide hope and foster a sense of belonging.
Saschie also found resonance in Diane's superpower of vulnerability. She recognized the importance of being vulnerable and tuning into her own internal dialogue. Often, we are too harsh on ourselves and unfairly judge ourselves. Saschie acknowledged that our inner thoughts greatly influence our confidence and mental well-being.
For Carol, her superpower lies in being a "talent scout." She actively seeks out the strengths and potential in individuals, identifying talent to contribute to her goals and initiatives. Getting the right people involved in projects is essential, as she believes that people are the key to finding solutions. Carol places great value in role models and leaders who embrace a servant leadership philosophy, prioritizing service to others and the community for the greater good.
Martha finds immense satisfaction and purpose in problem-solving. When she encounters an issue that requires attention, she dives deep and learns from the remarkable women who came before her. She draws inspiration from a quote by Georgia O'Keeffe: "It takes more than talent. It takes a kind of nerve and a lot of hard, hard work." Martha acknowledges that as women, we are no strangers to hard work; we possess an abundance of it. However, what we often lack is the necessary boldness and courage.
Similarly, Diane also identifies as a problem solver. However, she gradually realized that she should not always be the one to solve other people's problems. Instead, she recognized the importance of empowering others to find their own solutions. Rather than constantly seeking solutions for others, it is crucial to enable and empower them to discover their own paths.
Wellness is a Personal Journey
The idea of wellness is deeply personal and varies from person to person, just as feelings of fulfillment differ for each individual. Our panelists approached wellness through the lens of fulfillment.
For Saschie, it is crucial to connect with her inner self and purposefully engage in activities that align with her authentic truth and current phase of life. Life is a journey with ups and downs, and it's important to embrace the peaks and valleys, recognizing that fulfillment can be found in various aspects. Saschie finds solace and peace of mind through movement, considering it a meditative practice that brings gratitude for what she has.
The reality is that life presents challenges, and as we age, our accumulated experiences shape our confidence to face difficulties with resilience. Diane advises us not to fear getting older; in fact, it is the best thing that can happen to us. With the wisdom gained from our experiences, we become more assured that we will be okay and find our way.
For Martha, part of "finding the way" is setting priorities each day and being adaptable to pivot when necessary. Sometimes, certain tasks or events take precedence over others, and that's perfectly fine. The key elements in Martha's wellness regime are bravery and nerve.
Fulfillment plays a vital role in providing clarity and focus, guiding us to live a rich and meaningful life in alignment with our values. For Carol, fulfillment lies in community building and the belief that working on something you don't enjoy causes stress while working on something you love brings passion. When we embrace our values, time seems to fly, and we feel alive and proud of ourselves when we live in accordance with those virtues. Carol shared a quote that encapsulates this sentiment:
