🫣Did I really do that?


Reader, I brought people to tears.

They were in a meeting with me at work, and I made them cry. 🫒

Seriously, the leader of the organization had to leave the room to get tissues.

At this point, I bet you want to know what I said that was so upsetting.😬

I actually didn't say anything. I asked them to say something. 😲

Last week, I facilitated over 40 members of an organization through a series of conversations inviting them to examine their purpose, disappointment, missteps, contributions, gratitude, and need to forgive.

You see, the number one thing holding most teams back from thriving is their conditioned response to hide from the painful stuff.

But the thing is, humans require the comparison. You can't appreciate warmth until you experience cold. You don't value happy times unless you've also suffered sadness.

Organizations want their people to thrive, yet they fear and avoid acknowledging and discussing the things that steal joy, happiness, and commitment at work.

So we dedicated two full hours to release the things fueling apathy and invite thoughts, feelings, and actions that allow one another to bring the best version of themselves.

I invited the participants to own their pain and the hurt they caused others. They practiced forgiveness and repairing relationships. They celebrated themselves and one another.

They laughed. They cried. They began to heal.

Reader, here are the questions you have to ask yourself if you are not giving your best at work every day:

  1. What purpose and significance is available in my work?
  2. What resentment do I have that overshadows and blocks my ability to access meaningfulness at work?
  3. How do I contribute to this issue?
  4. What do I need to forgive in myself, and what forgiveness do I need to offer to others?
  5. What hurt have I caused that I need to repair?
  6. What contribution have I offered that I need to celebrate?
  7. What have I received from others that I need to acknowledge and appreciate?

I recommend that you start by writing your answers to the above, then stand in front of a mirror and read what you wrote aloud.

Some of your answers will fill your senses with light. Others will choke your voice with grief.

Feelings are truth. They are windows into your soul.

If you connect with your feelings and listen to your heart, you can find your way back to your extraordinary.

Give it a try, and let me know what you discover about yourself.

PS - I love facilitating these transformational sessions, so feel free to invite me to your organization or mention my name to any leader you know.

Join me this week for these live episodes

Episode 15 live stream available through LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube​

Episode 9 (rescheduled) live stream available through LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube​

​

The Story I’m Telling Myself is for anyone who wants to overcome the limitations of self-doubt and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Through candid conversations, you'll discover:

  • The hidden costs of listening to your inner critic: How fear and doubt sabotage your confidence, happiness, and success.
  • Transformational strategies for silencing the negative voice: Learn how to overcome self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and step into your true potential.
  • The power of a mindset shift: Discover how changing your internal dialogue can lead to extraordinary results.

Real-life stories of courage and resilience: Gain inspiration from everyday people who overcame their negative self-talk to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

PS - please share this with a friend

​

Rita Ernst, Positivity Influencer

My weekly emails are for you if you want a transformational SHOT OF POSITIVITY that makes you think, gets you laughing, and sparks a positive change. Start each week inspired.

Read more from Rita Ernst, Positivity Influencer

temper tantrumReader can you relate? I really want to make VP before I turn 35. There aren't that many positions. Someone has to leave or die. So when a VP position opens in the distribution center in Ohio, and my boss says I should apply, I do. A few weeks later, I am flying to Grove City to interview. I am introduced to my male counterpart within the distribution organization, who is also a candidate for this VP role. Immediately, I know this guy already has the job on lockdown, and my...

A metallic gold 5-point star

Reader Do you meet new situations with trepidation or elation? As much as I want to be the latter, when I find myself out of my comfort zone, anxiety accompanies me. Thanks to my friend Laurie, I have just wrapped up my first three-week session of pickleball lessons. I'm feeling pretty green, but I understand the game's rules, and I know I need to practice to keep improving, so I decide to join my husband at neighborhood pickleball. I walk into the gymnasium at 10 a.m., the appointed time for...

Reader, thank you for welcoming me back to your inbox. I spent the last week of March on vacation with my husband at the beach. This is his last month of work before he retires. Our youngest daughter leaves for college this fall, and I'll be the primary household income again, which hasn't been true since I left my corporate job in 2006. I'm not going to lie; it freaks me out a little. I've even thought that maybe I should retire, too. Yet, the truth is I wanted to work during vacation two...