Imagine you are panning for gold in California. You have abandoned your home, your family, and even your career for just one chance to strike gold. You are scared that you will get only flakes of gold from your efforts.
Until, you shake your pan back and forth, and find several large, golden nuggets.
I struck gold this past weekend, and I want to share the wealth! This weekend, I attended the Refine Conference. While I enjoyed speaking on a panel, I also challenged myself to absorb as much wisdom and knowledge as I could from women I had been dying to meet for about a year. They did not disappoint me.
Teri Johnson, the conference organizer, was determined to help us succeed. She asked us to capture “nuggets” from each breakout session we attended, and write them down. Today, I will share the three biggest nuggets I found over two days’ worth of amazing connections.
Nugget 1: Self-care is necessary
As a weight loss writer and speaker, I tend to gravitate towards physical self-care. Self-care means so much more than just eating right and moving more. Self-care means nurturing both your physical and mental body.
Every session I attended stressed the importance of self-care.
Whether that means taking a minute to breathe deeply, taking an hour to nap, or taking a weekend to detox, it is necessary to recharge yourself. We women like to think we are just like the Energizer bunny. Even the bunny needs to recharge in between commercials. As my friend Ruth Bachman said, “Transformation is intentional”. Can you transform without self-care?
Nugget 2: Surround yourself with supportive sidekicks
Who do you run to when you most need support in your life? Elizabeth Hagen introduced this idea in her keynote speech on Saturday. She told us the story of when she first opened her professional organizing business. She was scared, and did not believe in herself. But, her friend Renee believed in her, and helped her with her very first event. Elizabeth asked us, “Who is your Renee?”
This is one I struggled with. I have great support in my life, but not in a business sense. Until recently, I had not actively sought a supportive sidekick when it comes to being an entrepreneur. I now have a Renee!
The sidekick can be someone who will push you past your fears, listen to your tears, or simply be there throughout the years.
Remember, your life is bigger than just your role as mother, wife, daughter, businesswoman, or even employee. Seek out your supportive sidekick in all areas of your life.
Nugget 3: Celebrate!
My logo for Weightless includes balloons. Believe it or not, there is a story behind this.
Balloons are a metaphor for feeling light and free once you have lost weight. If you have ever struggled with losing weight or keeping it off, you might feel weighed down by frustration and disappointment. Once you lose the weight, you are free to fly.
Balloons are not just a metaphor. When was the last time you attended a party that did NOT have balloons?
Balloons are a way to remind you to celebrate your accomplishments.
I talked to so many wonderful women this weekend, of all ages and stages in life. The common element we all shared was a yearning to celebrate. We yearned to celebrate not just the achievements of our friends and colleagues, but to also celebrate the achievements we have each worked so hard for. As friends, sisters, colleagues, partners, and women, we need to find more ways to celebrate. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
Thanks to Teri Johnson, I found three large, golden nuggets at the Refine Conference.