Commitment to Self - Embracing Courage, Care and Non-conformity

In an era saturated with fleeting trends and information overload, committing to personal growth stands as a defiant act of self-empowerment. As I delved deep into the wisdom of Tibetan sayings, one struck a chord: “Don’t regret the time and money spent on understanding the world.” It resonated with my resolve to perpetually self-invest, a commitment I embraced wholeheartedly as I embarked on the year 2024.

Self-investment

My journey of self-investment is a meticulously nurtured practice spanning seven fruitful years. This year, the challenge I faced was to justify investing in yet another Deep Dive, an intensive learning encounter I had previously experienced and that I was sceptical would offer new revelations. Led by two masters I admire, Rich Litvin and Daniel Priestley ,? the allure of their combined expertise eclipsed my resistance.

Against the evocative backdrop of "War of the Worlds," the immersive theatre production, we began our odyssey—a poignant reminder of the volatile yet exquisite equilibrium of life, dominated neither by human ambition nor extra-terrestrial prowess. I left with a conviction reaffirmed: the inherent good, though often understated, prevails against the most formidable challenges.

The subsequent two days of 12th-13th? January 24 were transformational. With Rich and Daniel orchestrating the expedition into self-discovery, the genius of the collective thrived. The community that surrounded me—a melting pot of amazing individuals—was consistently illuminating.

Yes, fear tags along when faced with a substantial financial commitment for mere 3 days. Yet, the greatest insight I carried from this encounter was the sheer magnitude of return on such an investment. A room filled with dynamic, committed learners is a fertile ground for exponential growth.

The importance of self-commitment and self-investment took on a whole new dimension for me on 20th January when I attended the "How to change your life 2024" festival organized by the "How to Academy." The festival gathered a remarkable array of experts in psychology, medicine, and well-being, dedicating a full day to exploring the nuances of living a rich and full life.

Among the influential figures was the beloved author and comedian Ruby Wax. Delivering a deeply personal narrative, Ruby shared her mental health journey with striking honesty and authenticity that resonated with everyone present. Her new book, “I’m Not as Well as I Thought I Was,” details her time spent in a mental health clinic in 2022 and the challenges of maintaining sanity in our ever-hectic world. Her story serves as a beacon of understanding and compassion, illuminating a path to resilience.

Courage

This experience brought to mind a quote by Terrance McKenna that has stayed with me: “Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. This is the trick. This is what all these teachers and philosophers who really counted, who really touched the alchemical gold, this is what they understood.” The beginning of 2024 has revealed a world that feels fragile and fraught with uncertainty. My clients consistently voice their sense of overwhelm and the palpable fear that touches daily life.

Yet, as McKenna suggests, courage to continue in the face of adversity acts as the antidote to fear. Staying in motion and pursuing knowledge allows us to sidestep despair,? and to forgo the impulse to surrender or capitulate. Commitment to constant motion and learning, even amid uncertainty, is an act of audacity.

For those seeking growth, I encourage participation in our programmes – Artemis, Inspiring Women, or Audacious Leaders Retreat. It is here that we pledge ourselves to perpetual development.

Care

To coincide with the release of my book "The Audacity Spectrum" on 22nd of August 24, I am launching a series of live "Audacious Conversations" on LinkedIn with individuals who inspire me. These conversations are part of my commitment to celebrate the book's launch but also to carry on with the spirit of learning and engagement that I advocate for.

I am excited to bring together extraordinary human beings and talk about courage, care, and non-conformity. Join me on 5th February at 5pm UK time, for the first enlightening and emboldening conversation with James Madison .

Today we celebrate the 70th birthday of my dearest auntie, Maria, lovingly known as Dodo. A nickname given to her by my son in his early chatter.? What began as a three-week favour to assist with my childcare, blossomed into 20 cherished years of her presence in our lives. Dodo epitomizes the warmth of family and the beauty of unexpected blessings.? As a token of immense gratitude and to honour her special day,?? this newsletter is dedicated to her.? To add a sprinkle of magic to her already sparkling 70 years, I have orchestrated an immersive experience at the London Royal Ballet. And the twist to this already enchanting evening will be an opportunity for her to converse with the extraordinary ballerina Alina Cojocaru post-performance. (Let's keep this delightful secret just between us until the curtain rises on her surprise!)

Pay it forward

I have learned the concept of paying it forward from my dear friend Genevieve Jones-Hernandez . It's a simple yet profound act: You give a gift to someone. The only request you make of that person is that they give their own gift to someone else and ask that person to give their own gift to someone else again. In this way, the cycle of generosity and kindness continues, creating a domino effect throughout the community and potentially the world. The ROI (Ripple of Impact) is magnificent, spreading far beyond what we can see, touching lives and lifting spirits.

As we stand on the threshold of 2024, I invite you to reflect on commitment and generosity. What are you committing to in the coming year? What passion or cause will you devote your time and energy to, and how will it contribute to a better future? Furthermore, consider the gift that you can pay forward. It could be a tangible object, a helpful resource, a piece of knowledge, or even a supportive gesture. Whatever it is, ensure it holds the potential to ignite a chain of positivity.

What you choose to commit to and the gift you choose to give forward will speak volumes about your values and your vision for the world in which we live.

Let's make 2024 a year of action, a year of paying it forward, and a year where our collective courage, care, and non-conformity can truly make a difference.

.