It is never too late!
Nugget of the Week
You are never too old and it is never too late to understand and pursue your ‘why’.
Let me say that again because I know firsthand how easy it is for our inner-critic to tell us otherwise. Mine, who you know is called Gladys loves making it about herself and enjoys sending me on self-doubt trip.
So for you, and for myself let me say it again and loudly (yet gently) that You have not missed the boat. You are not too old.
In meeting up with a group of business women who were all part of a Mastermind about 8 years ago, I was reassured that even though I am the eldest, the rest are not far behind me in age, and you know what? We are far from done yet!! (and can you hear the sass in the voice of my words?). Absolutely all of us are flourishing in our so-called Third Age.
We are discovering, evolving, and stepping into our passions with confidence and determination because when you feel fiercely passionate about your why, you take it up as a mission and you advocate with all you’ve got.
Sometimes, it may take a little longer than you thought, but once you recognise the one thing that sets your soul alight, your inner voices says, ‘THIS is what I am meant to do!’; and you own it with pride.
You become an advocate. You become the voice and force of the mission you take up. And oh it feels good. And we all know the best chapters often come much later in the book. Right?
This Sh** Really Happened!
Believe it or not, my children’s book ‘Quiet Is Fun Too’ is now listed on Waterstones. YAY!
No literally, this one is a big deal for me. My book just got listed in Waterstones; one of the biggest and most prestigious bookstores of UK. This is HUGE!
I am not taking this for granted. Being in Waterstones really is next-level credibility.
Although, aspirational as I am I’d like to see my book at the top of their page in ‘Waterstones Children’s Book Prize’ shortlist. Now that is something I look forward to.
Would you rally with me in sharing the word about the book, buy copies and gift them to schools, libraries, playgroups in your community?
Let’s normalise inclusion of introverts from their early childhood, together, as parents, caregivers and educators, what say you?
Coming up, Buttercup!
It is happening. The ‘Not Just Lip Service’ podcast is coming soon to your ear pods.
I am very excited that we are starting to record our brand new podcast, Not Just Lip Service, with my colleague/friend, Intention Strategist – Szebastian Onne G. S.
We all know, now more than ever we need leaders to go beyond lip service as the anti-DEI wave is trying to sweep through the boardrooms, of course led by broligarchs who it seems would love nothing more than to return to the ‘old’ ways when women belonged in the kitchen and others forms of discriminations were acceptable.
We truly need to double-down on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with genuine action, to prove that we the inclusive leaders are committed to inclusion and a meaningful change on the ground, not just papers.
Szebastian and I bring unique perspectives and communications styles rooted in shared values and aim to challenge the status quo because empty words are just not going to cut it.
Speaking of behind-the-scenes, let me share the challenge I faced this week. It was the weather, because I am a bit of a SAD Sufferer and don’t do well without sunshine. Because of the constant grey and rain, I haven’t moved enough this week. Thankfully it looks like the sun is going to shine brighter today so I am looking forward to that.
Thankfully though, the best thing that happened for me this week was reconnecting with the women leaders I met in the mastermind that I mentioned earlier. We all agreed that meeting each other was the best outcome of the mastermind.
On that note, I hope you found this week’s reflection useful and these behind-the-scenes sneak-peeks uplift your spirit and help you flourish in your journey. I wish you a very Happy Valentine and a beautiful weekend.
Quietly, and gratefully yours,
Joanna
Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker | Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish
