I learned to breathe this week.

*I learned to breathe this week.*

These past few days I had the opportunity to attend a wellness retreat where I could relax, recharge, rejuvenate, and most importantly, *breathe*. There were so many takeaways from this experience, so I'm just sharing a few here to not exhaust you with a full play by play. :)

1) Vulnerability = Strength; Vulnerability = Potential; Vulnerability = Truth; Vulnerability = Success

In business, we oftentimes try to hide our true feelings and emotions. We are told to act "professionally" and to not mix our personal lives with our professional lives. We operate as robots and stuff down our own lived experiences that are yearning to be released. We don't want to make anyone "uncomfortable" or scare anyone with the jagged edges of our very real and raw experiences.

What I learned this week is that we can connect and heal and solve major challenges when vulnerable. Vulnerability will heal the world. Vulnerability, especially in the workplace, brings us closer together, creates bonds, strengthens teamwork, provides us with perspective, and opens us to possibility. Being vulnerable only strengthens our work and makes a greater impact.

It's interesting because in the US at least, whenever asked "How are you?", nine times out of ten we respond, "Doing good, thanks!" (hence the ironic title of my newsletter). To be vulnerable and to share our truth in the workplace, we need to know that we have the trust, support, and acceptance of our team, and most importantly, our manager. We need to know that our vulnerability is valued and desired and that we have a soft cushion to land on when sharing our truth.

2) Purpose is everything.

In business, we oftentimes overlook purpose and instead prioritize profit. We are conditioned to equate business to money and don't always think about the very real steps that will get us there, including by prioritizing purpose.

I like to think of purpose as your why, your legacy. Your place in and contribution to society. What is your raison d'être, your reason for being? For companies, purpose is the foundation upon which a product or service and brand is built. It is the underlying values, the intention, the north star, and the impact that guides that company. I encourage you to put purpose in the driver's seat. It is amazing what happens when purpose guides our career and our business. It is a key differentiator between companies just doing well and those doing well while *doing good*.

3) We are more than our work.

In business, we often think that life = work and work = life. While at this retreat, I met dozens of people, and not once did anyone talk about their work or ask anyone else where they work, what they do, or insinuate any questions to deduce how much money they make. It was such a breath of fresh air!

I encourage you to remember that you are more than your work. We are full people with interests and desires and passions and skills and goals and dreams that stretch outside of our 9-5. Remember to value yourself and not just your job or your employer. We are so much more than what we do.

4) Kindness is key.

In business, we don't always think a lot about kindness. We are moving fast and trying to hit deadlines, please our clients and customers, and increase revenue. With technology, we have become über-efficient, yet oftentimes this is at the detriment of real human interaction and connection. Business is business, and companies often don't think about kindness as the key to success.

When kind, we build stronger connections. When kind, we close more deals. When kind, we create a work environment that people don't want to run from. When kind, our colleagues and direct-reports feel wanted and respected and seen and heard. When kind, possibilities are opened up and opportunities are endless.

I learned to breathe this week. I breathed the types of breaths that were slow and intentional and fulfilling and made me wonder why I've never focused on breathing in my everyday life, and most importantly, in my professional life before. This week I learned to slow down, find balance, set intentions, show gratitude, and focus on my purpose. There were so many takeaways that can be implemented in a professional setting, and I hope this overview helps you to think a little bit differently about your career and how you do business.

Want to chat further about anything I've listed here? Looking for support and guidance in your journey? Please feel free to reach out directly.

In gratitude,

Erin