In a hospital waiting room in 2022, I found myself pacing, playfully swaying and dancing on my heels to calm my nerves. The news that followed was anything but calming: my blood data showed inflammation over 100 times higher than normal. The doctor’s words were stark: “Patients in your condition typically can’t even walk, yet here you are, pacing and dancing around the room.” It was a harsh reminder that I had been pushing myself to dangerous levels, ignoring my body’s warning signs.💥
The two-week hospital stay that followed marked a turning point in my life, teaching me that disruption can be a transformative catalyst for growth. As I navigated my recovery, I learned valuable lessons that I now apply to my leadership and personal life:
• ⚔️ Become the Disruptor: Disruption isn’t a force to fear—it’s a powerful ally waiting to be harnessed. I transformed chaos into a launchpad for innovation, making disruption my weapon of choice. Instead of letting external forces dictate your direction, reshape your priorities, boldly championing wellness initiatives that had been overlooked by others.
• 💖 Honor your Body’s Call: The true cost of leadership isn’t just measured in hours worked; it’s measured in the toll it takes on our bodies and minds. I learned the hard way that pushing beyond our limits can break us. Prioritize listening to the body, knowing that a leader who cares for themselves has the power to inspire boundless resilience in others.
• 🌷 Build True Resilience: Resilience isn’t about avoiding discomfort—it’s about thriving through it. True strength is forged in the fire of inner work, and it’s in the crucible of discomfort where we discover our true potential. Build rituals that allow you to transform emotions into fuel for growth, turning every challenge into an opportunity for evolution.
• 🚀 Seize the Power of Vulnerability: Vulnerability is the secret to unparalleled strength. In embracing our imperfections and showing up as our authentic selves, we unlock the transformative power of connection. By releasing the illusion of invulnerability, you open yourself to healing on a deeper level, empowering around you to do the same.
• 💡Ascribe Meaning to Challenges: Challenges are the proving ground for our potential. I have learned to approach setbacks as opportunities for growth and playful exploration. By setting intentions to learn and grow, and deciding what the experience means for you, you can position yourself to exceed the limits of what you once believed possible.
While in the hospital, I discovered myself in a state of betweenness, in a liminal space rich with opportunity for learning and making important decisions. I decided then and there to continue the Dance of Disruption whenever I am faced with adverse situations. 🌈
See more of my posts on my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/coaching-leadership-mosaic
