I have to say this topic makes me feel a little nervous (actually a lot nervous), feeling vulnerable is not in my comfort zone which is why I need to share this with you.
3 months ago I attended Barbara Stanny’s Sacred Success Retreat. After years of getting to know Barbara I felt it was time to actually become a student of her work. I had no expectations as to what I would experience; I arrived totally open and receptive to learning from Barbara although a bit anxious about sharing with 20 other women I didn’t know.
What an amazing journey it has been.
It’s hard to describe how much I have gained since attending Barbara’s Sacred Success Retreat so I’m just going to put it out there:
- I have learned to feel again, so many years of life’s personal challenges and building a successful career/business (in a traditional male industry) I lost touch with that warm feminine part of me that is so essential to who I am as a woman. That side of me has been dormant (or hiding) for many years, she’s back and I like who she is.
- I learned to listen to my soul. I realize now that to make huge leaps in business growth you must listen to your mind, heart and soul. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day “Doing” that we stop listening. The mind provides the execution but the heart and soul provide the passion and direction. It is when the mind and soul are in balance that success becomes truly effortless.
- I learned it is harder to receive than I ever thought. As a woman I am always looking at what I’m not doing well, what I must improve deflecting compliments in the process. I now realize how important it is to receive and embrace compliments from others as well as myself. I learned that receiving is not selfish but an essential part of our development and adds volumes to our sense of confidence and self esteem.
- I learned how to make friends (I’m serious). I realized most of my friendships are based on me helping them through life’s events (this is my comfort zone), but the problem here wasn’t them it was me. I realize now that to develop healthy, supportive relationships I must put myself out there even when it feels risky and vulnerable. I learned that the rewards of friendship far outweigh the risks of feeling weak or vulnerable. I have now developed some fabulous friendships with other woman, women who encourage me to be all that I am and all that I will become.
As women we have so many incredible talents. When we embrace all aspects of who we are our abilities become truly limitless. I spent so many years learning to be tough, strong, determined in order to succeed in business and life (I know many of you can relate to that) that I lost sight of who I truly am. The greatest friendship I have developed is with ME. While I am still a work in progress getting to know the feminine Adri is truly a pleasure that I relish every day.