Seasoning Each Season
WOW! This summer is already almost over. It's been quite eventful with fun, as well as prompted reflection. I'm going to start with the events that give me pause.
I have quite a few friends experiencing losses, particularly of their parents. I lost mine a long time ago and remember the deep pain. Their passing reminds me of how they molded, believed in, and loved me. I'm so sad to see, hear, and feel the sadness my friends are living now. It brings up the emotions of loss.
People grieve differently. Some go into deep grief and find themselves dwelling on what was and what could have been, wishing they'd done something different. Others seem to find solace in thoughts of gratitude for the relationship they experienced. They also understand that the person is gone, but the relationship still exists.
Life is full of ups and downs, and as the summer season draws to a close, let's take a moment to consider how we are seasoning our own lives. A quote from Mother Teresa sums it up:
"Life is a promise; fulfill it."
The purpose of seasoning is to enhance the flavor.
As I was writing this newsletter, I became curious about the meanings of some seasonings, so let me share what I found here:
· Salt = self-knowledge and wisdom
· Pepper = power, protection, courage, ambition
· Sugar = happiness, sweetness, good times
· Cinnamon = love, good luck, health and protection
Good to know, huh?
Summer doesn't end until September 22, so keep enjoying it. Reflect on how you already seasoned your summer and what else you can do to spice it up.
Here are three things I did:
1. Rest:
· Kicked off the summer early with a fabulous vacation to Greece, Italy and Portugal
· I've been enjoying working on the patio, where I hear the birds sing, the water fountain's calm, see the colorful butterflies and hummingbirds, and smell the blooming flowers.
· Hang out on the patio at night, too, with the flicker of the candles in the lanterns and a good glass of wine (and battled with the mosquitoes)
· Enjoyed parties with friends, celebrating good times
· I visited the beach only twice, and one day, it was so cold and overcast that I didn't even get out of the car. Instead, we went to Las Brisas in Laguna to sip on a margarita. I'm excited to return to the beach next week and am crossing my fingers for gorgeous blue skies and sunny weather.
I attached an article here that discusses the importance of vacations. We all need them, whether they are short or long. Be sure to click here to inspire you to plan your next vacation.
2. Personal development time
Enjoyed some fiction and non-fiction books (and audible). I recommend Good Power by Ginny Rometty and When by Daniel Pink. Our mastermind group continues to read and apply No Limits by John Maxwell, which I also recommend.
3. Professional development
In addition to my daily work, I have made terrific progress on my book and can't wait to tell you more about the title and how you can access it. More to come!
Preparing for the next season on the calendar
We are not in control of much, but we do have the ability to plan. Fall is coming.
This is a busy time as we rush to complete tasks before the holidays. Once Thanksgiving arrives, work shifts to shopping, cooking, and eating.
What will you do to add seasoning this next season? (I don't like to call it Fall because who wants to fall? Perhaps we could call it Rise) Or Autumn.
So that you don't get overwhelmed, get started and identify just three main accomplishments you want to celebrate before winter and 2024.
What spices do you need so that it tastes just right?
What Do you need more of? Salt? Sugar? Cinnamon?
For me:
1) Finish and publish my book and make it available for you to access and gift to others- pepper
2) Unify my family- sugar
3) Finish another vigorous Susan G Komen 20-mile walk and fundraise a minimum of $4000 – cinnamon
4) Set up a solid first-quarter- salt
To conclude and reiterate the main point, life is to be lived. Today matters. Today is a gift for us to rejoice and be glad in it. Each season is a gift not to be left unopened on the shelf but to be opened and enjoyed.
Tell your people you love them; it's ok if you screw up on something.
Admit it and move on.
Click here to schedule a conversation to discuss how I might support you to unleash your inner champ.
Exciting things I'd love your support with:
Look for more info on my first book, which is intended to help leaders enhance their people skills so teams can thrive!
My next LinkedIn Live is September 19 at 11:00 PST on the vital subject of Neurodiversity. Click here to register.
I am hosting a workshop/event live and in person in Irvine that will help you increase engagement and communication for your team. I'm demonstrating it and inviting you to "play" on September 28. Click here for details and register. Space is limited!!
To support me in my walk to cure breast cancer, Click here. (This is my 10th consecutive year walking 20 miles or more).
Have you accessed your gift, an annual cultural calendar, yet? Be sure to get it by clicking here. The more aware and sensitive we are to each others' cultures, the more likely we are to appreciate each other.
Connect with me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/michellebeauchamp
Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thechampgroup
Make today matter. Let's cross the bridge together to learn.grow.succeed.
Shine on!
Creating Significance
Michelle Beauchamp
The Champ Group
949-713-3622
www.beasaleschamp.net
