Firefly Lessons: Illuminating the Power of Community

I saw fireflies for the first time!

Having only been introduced to them by their poetic presence in literature, seeing them for the first time has me full of energy punctuated with an inner calm. Without going into too much background (stories for another time), my character is drawn to symbolism and fact-finding (INT/FJ– you get it). The timing of my first firefly sighting is uncanny and confirmational.

Let me tell you a brief story about my enlightening connection in "community."

Community is where home, work, and local civic groups converge. It is a place of service and neighborhood connections. It is a feeling that gives you identity and can be a place where one belongs. Yet, community is a concept I have struggled with, given two relocations in three years while also becoming an empty nester and starting my own business.

The blinding and enlightening moment is that while I guide professionals to take a multi-dimensional view of their internal and external environments to transform obstacles into opportunities - I was needing to do the same. My limited view of how I was defining community was illuminated by fireflies telling me that I am home, living and working in community!

Simple, yet brilliant.

It may be someone other than the people next door, cheering for kids I know at Little League games, or the familiarity of driving to an office building. Still, I have discovered a community that has been patiently encouraging as I evolved from observer to participant, forging connections over the past year, leaning in, learning, and building relationships through group gatherings to one on one virtual meet-ups (fireflies in and of themselves), sparking light as they discover their own impact.

In community, our conversations spark enlightenment.

Then several months ago, I was introduced to a second community weaving brilliantly minded, purpose-driven leaders who, like myself, believe in the untapped potential of people. This provided a light that guided me, reminding me of the infinite possibilities within myself. This drove me to the heart of 'my-mind matters,' where I have reaffirmed my values and character strengths and gained a clearer understanding of what drives my passion, recognizing how my light emits when speaking to consciously designing healthy, engaging work cultures and equipping leaders (people) to navigate the climatic changes in organizations. One individual in particular, Hal Eisenberg, CEO, The Eisenberg Leadership Academy and published author, responded with an "I love the way you write" and "your response literally LIT UP my soul!" His heartfelt feedback illuminated a meaningful depth of being understood, leaving me with a profound sense of validation and inspiration to keep going.

In community, our conversations spark enlightenment.

As I continue my journey, the firefly remains a powerful symbol of living fully, transformation, growth, and resilience.

I am inviting you to consider the firefly spirit. One that challenges you to look inside yourself and find the light. The answers to what is challenging you- are already inside you; it takes work, a willingness to be vulnerable, and permission to let your light shine through.

Focus your energy towards illumination, and recognize actions and patterns that radiate your character strength as stepping stones to new possibilities. As I traverse the journey with other professionals, each on their passage, and some looking to re-ignite their journeys from new vantage points, it reminded me that even coaches and consultants need coaches and consultants. People need people. How do we belong otherwise?

In the ever-evolving circle of life, the presence of fireflies last evening confirmed that the right people are surrounding me at the right time, and conversations in recent weeks emulate the awe-some energy and light-emitting direction. Guided by the radiance of my passions and fueled by the connections and conversations that set my soul back in alignment to live and work from a space that is #SoulWellFit. A space I intentionally designed in 2018, after the passing of too many loved ones in too short of a time, only to come to light once again. An internal and external environment. Where mind, body, spirit, home, and community find a rhythm to thrive.

Mindfulness emits enlightenment.

It reminds me as I remind you that we can radiate peace and calmness in our interactions with others, even amid chaos. Just as fireflies emit a cool light without generating heat, we can maintain our inner peace and radiate calmness even amid challenging situations.

We can thrive in environments that provide us with the right conditions for growth. Just as fireflies thrive in their natural habitats, we can also thrive when we find ourselves in environments that support our development and well-being. We can create and foster spaces in the workplace for others to emit their light and to walk alongside to help them navigate periods of darkness.

We look to leaders to emit light.

We are drawn to spaces where we may share our light.

We work in teams to share in our collective light.

You may love your job, care for the people you lead and still feel like your light is fading.

You may show up daily but know deep down that something needs to change. It may be as simple as having someone guide you to a new vantage point so you can move out of the shadows, take a new perspective, and emit light on the matter.

First, we must learn to #Leanin2Leadout by re-igniting our light. If this resonates with you, schedule a time on my calendar. Let's connect and discover what enlightenment our conversation may spark!

Have you experienced a firefly moment?

Share so we may light up the week ahead!

#communityconnections #passiondriven #leadershipinsights