#WITHINfluencer - 2018 in hindsight

Reflecting on my year, I was thinking about who has influenced me.  Who has helped me change my perspective and led me to make important shifts?   In the world of media Derick Fage and Bob Babinski have been my guides.  In mastering social media Jamie Benizri is the king.  Building a socially conscious empire is dominated by Lennie Moreno. Nalie Agustin inspires me with her focus on health and balance.  David Allen Baker lives in gratitude and finds the good in all people. Areva Martin and Dr. Jennifer Caudle have taken their education and skills and have impacted so many lives through their savvy use of the media. All of these individuals have provided guidance, instigated ideas, and supported me either directly or by my observations of their actions.   

In deeper reflection, I discovered that beyond what others have shown me, what really has driven my decisions, changed my outlook and led me down a self-evolving path has come from WITHIN.  I am my best influencer. 

I have learned that presence in my life is the key to happiness.  When I have opted to play another game of UNO instead of working, I have been rewarded by my 10 year-old telling me that if I weren’t his mom, married, and so old – yes, the “old” word hurt - he would marry me.  I know that presence matters when my teenage daughter, in her most difficult and awkward years hugs me, holds my hand in public, and tells me IN FRONT OF HER FRIENDS that she loves me and her childhood is amazing.  I am reminded when sitting with my husband, sipping a drink in our rare quiet moments, that our connection is what helps me conquer life.

I have learned that when I let go of control, outcomes, expectations, rules, should’s and comparisons I am liberated.  This clarity comes as I train on the flying trapeze, discovering that I can trust a new coach, take a return bar from someone other than Annie, and get scooped back to the board by any flyer.  My strength and skills are mine, they live and breathe inside of me, and it is my instinct that I must trust fully.   

I have learned that comfort zones are stagnant and suffocating.  My new career in media is a representation of this lesson as I have locked over 25 television appearances, hosted a web series, moderated 3 panels, hosted 3 events and taught myself editing so I can produce my own original content.  Scared to do it? Do it anyway. #Fearless

I have learned that generosity and kindness should always lead.  This has been given back to me in spades with the trust and confidence I have earned from my referral sources who gave me my biggest year yet in my clinical practice.  

Friendships improve breathing. Work is important. Money is important. Yes. But time with friends cannot be replaced and there is nothing like it. I am fortunate to be SURROUNDED by many women (and a few men) who lift me up, celebrate my wins as if they are their own, and remind me of the immeasurable gift of having a "got your back" crew. I have made time to foster these relationships and have reaped the benefits.

Yes, we can look to others to inspire us. Motivate us. Inform us. Absorb what you can from anyone who offers value. But never forget that true influence, change, decisions, direction, goals, satisfaction, happiness, gratitude, and peace only work when they come from WITHIN.  My goal for 2019?  More following of the WITHINfluencer.