One of the patriarchy’s biggest lie is that we have to go it alone. Why would we?
We can’t see our “blind spots” by ourselves. No human is expected to know everything, nor were we ever meant to. Society teaches us from an early age that caring for others means forsaking ourselves, that we should control the emotions of others, and that we must be perfect to keep the world spinning. Talk about high stakes! This narrative pulls us away from ourselves. However, when we identify our WHY—our superpower, the reason we’re on this planet—and choose to bring it into reality, we begin to quiet much of the noise that distracts us from what truly matters.
Part of choosing ourselves and thriving in our zone of genius involves cultivating a beloved community: people who see us, support us, stretch us, remind us of who we are, and help us find answers when we can’t find them on our own. Oh, and I’m reading your mind right now: just like we don’t have to go it alone, we also don’t have to pack our schedules with everyone else’s needs. There’s a sweet spot in between. Some people are with us for seasons and transactions. Others are lifelong friends. You never have to go it alone. The idea that you must is the lie that keeps us small, quiet, and scared.
- Nearly 60% of women say their feelings of loneliness or isolation have increased as their careers progressed.
- Nearly 53% of women have declined a job, a promotion, quit, or stopped working altogether because of the negative impact on their personal life.
- 92% of senior leaders report turning to negative coping behaviors to deal with loneliness and isolation.
Identifying and embracing your community helps you step into your power emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. You’ll be unstoppable, and you will experience joy along the way.
Here’s what sparked the inspiration for this week’s newsletter. Watch the video here.