Note to Self: D.EA.R. _________

Every now and again I’ll wake in the very early hours of a new day with such clarity around a thought, idea or themed framework. It usually involves jumping out of bed at about 3am and grabbing a journal so I can start writing down whatever has come to me. Some of these early morning inspiration strikes have seemed to be fully formed. While others seem like they are a starting point or a piece of the puzzle of putting together something bigger. Note to Self: D.EA.R. ___________ was one of these.

“You can’t change what’s going on around you until you start changing what’s going on within you.” – Zig Ziglar

It has been an incredible privilege to have worked with such a diverse mix of individuals and groups in various parts of the world over the years. I feel indebted to the amazing participants, colleagues and collection of teachable moments I have witnessed and been apart of in that time. Courageously choosing to, or not to, (there are so many teachable moments through the full spectrum of choices we make) explore the possibilities, discover potential and act authentically has provided us as individuals and groups incredible connections, reminders and new ways of being within our learning and leadership journeys. It has really helped me cement my deep belief in the potential of each individual and the fact that we are all capable of making a difference in our own and others lives. This now underpins all that we do at Explore Discover Act.

“Desire is a teacher: When we immerse ourselves in it without guilt, shame, or clinging, it can show us something special about our own minds that allows us to embrace life fully.” – Mark Epstein

Awareness, awareness, awareness. How often do our daily thoughts, words and/or actions get dragged along by blame, uncertainty, anger, resentment, frustration or feelings of inadequacy (fear based)? Our power (or feeling a lack of power) is projected onto another person, a circumstance or event. We play small so we don’t have to confront failure, challenge, feeling uncomfortable or change. D is then for DESIRE – helping us to peer behind the door when we become aware of our thoughts, words and/or actions slipping down this path. Compassionately bringing ourselves back to our core desire of love, connection, belonging and contribution (love over fear) can open new and exciting pathways and choices to navigate ‘what next’.

“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” – Gail Devers

An attitude of I CAN, a belief in YOU CAN and inspiring WE CAN. EA is then for EMPOWERED ACTION – helping us to peer behind the door when we become aware of our thoughts, words and/or actions slipping down this path of inaction. Compassionately remembering our own and others authentic potential and our ability to make a difference in our own and others lives through empowered action can open new and exciting pathways and choices to navigate ‘what next’.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa

Choose connection and contribution over competition and control. R is then for RIPPLES (not Results) – helping us to peer behind the door when we become aware of our thoughts, words and/or actions slipping down this path. Compassionately remembering that life isn’t defined by titles, possessions or external achievements, rather it is the way we interact with and treat ourselves, others and the world around us (accepting that our thoughts, words and actions matter wherever we find ourselves) that can open new and exciting pathways and choices to navigate ‘what next’.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama

This practice of Note to Self: D.EA.R. ___________ has become an important one for me. I am enjoying getting playful with it when I notice myself slipping into fear based choices. ‘If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me’ through taking the time to check in and peer behind one, two or all three of these doors walks me back into progress over perfection, allowing me to continue striving to embody and purposefully foster exploring the possibilities, discovering potential and acting authentically.

“If you’re going to affirm something, affirm the truth. Then go do something about it.” – Jim Rohn