Different Doesn't Mean Wrong | Accept | Braving The Wilderness
Hello there! Welcome to my weekly LEAPS.
You’re receiving this email because you subscribed to my weekly Wednesday feature or our mailing list. Every Wednesday, I share 5 things using our LEAPS approach:
Learn: something new or an idea
Energy: an energy (good or bad) word and it’s meaning
Action: something to do
Processing: a question to consider
Shout out: something or someone that I want to celebrate or acknowledge
LEARN
Something Worth Sharing
Different Doesn't Mean Wrong
For much of my life, I thought my struggle was belonging. Looking back, I think it was something different.
I often felt different within my birth family and wider family circle. This wasn’t because I was difficult or rebellious. In many ways I was the opposite.
I was very compliant, worked hard and wanted to do well. Yet I often felt as though I didn't quite fit. Perhaps it was because some of the qualities that felt natural to me didn't seem to sit comfortably together.
Ambitious but gentle.
Independent but loyal.
Strong but sensitive.
Questioning but respectful.
For years I thought I needed to choose between these things - to become less ambitious, less sensitive, less questioning. I was told these things on a regular basis - so that I might fit more comfortably into the box determined by others.
What I've come to realise is that these qualities were never contradictions. They are all part of me. Perhaps the goal isn't to remove the parts that make us different. Perhaps the goal is to stop believing that different means wrong.
We can be ambitious and gentle, kind and courageous, quiet and strong.
The moment we stop trying to choose between them is often the moment we begin to accept ourselves more fully.
ENERGY
Focusing on an emotion or energy; a stand-out word / s
Accept
From the Latin acceptare meaning "to receive willingly" or "to take what is offered." Acceptance is often misunderstood as approval, agreement or resignation. Its original meaning is much simpler: to receive, to allow and to acknowledge what is already there.
Many of us spend years rejecting parts of ourselves because they seem too much, too little or simply different.
ACTION
Something small that you can do that might make a big difference
Stop Editing Yourself
Notice one quality, trait or characteristic that you have spent years softening, hiding or explaining. Instead of changing it, acknowledge it.
Ask yourself:
What if this isn't something to fix?
What if this is simply part of who I am?
PROCESSING
A question to think about and consider (you can discuss this with someone or write your thoughts down)
“What makes me different - that I perhaps saw negatively in the past?”
Many of us spend years viewing parts of ourselves through the eyes of others.
We learn what is rewarded, what is criticised and what makes us stand out. Over time, we can begin to see our differences as weaknesses rather than simply qualities that make us unique. Take a moment to reflect on the things that once made you feel awkward, out of place or "too much."
Could those same qualities have helped shape your strengths, values and perspective? What if the very things you once wished were different are part of what makes you, you?
This question will be added to the Community Space in the Leapers Club for you to share your thoughts.
SHOUT OUT
Who / what I think deserves recognition, my gratitude or to be celebrated.
My Younger Self
This week, I'm shouting out my younger self. For many years, I saw her as shy, quiet and withdrawn. I saw her as fearful and dutiful. I saw her as someone who lacked confidence and struggled to fit in. What I failed to recognise was her strength.
I didn't give her credit for navigating situations that often felt difficult, confusing or unsafe. I didn't appreciate how much responsibility she carried, or how much courage it took to keep going.
Today, I see her differently. I see a little girl who was thoughtful and observant. Was both gentle and ambitious, and sensitive while strong. A little girl who kept showing up, even when she felt different. Perhaps the greatest gift we can give our younger selves is not sympathy. It's recognition. Thank you for being stronger than I realised.
Next Live Leaps Virtual Event:
Finding Your Balance
When: 11th August (4pm BST)
CLICK TO REGISTER
BONUS GIFT FOR YOU
This week’s little extra for you - from me.
This week’s gift is my visual for a classic book - Braving The Wilderness by Brene Brown.
This is available to you for free (for 7 days) using the code: ACCEPT when you check out. Access is via the link / button below.
Please note that if you miss the 7 day offer, we can not extend this for you. You can, however always access the download for a nominal charge.
The artwork featured in this section is all copyrighted and for private use only. If you wish to use these online, in blogs / features or in presentations etc - we are happy to discuss licences. Please get in touch. The downloads do not have watermarks.
If you’d like to discuss having your ideas, business or culture captured visually - you can also let me know via email.
Join The Leapers Club
A clear starting point for learning the GLAS Method and understanding the wider framework
A private community space
Dedicated chat areas for focused conversations
Curated non-fiction book recommendations
Themed 90 day self-led Sets with online and downloadable Playbooks
L.E.A.P.S spaces to share your Learn, Energy word, Action, Processing, and Shout Out
Specialist sector Sets for teachers, family businesses, leadership development, and professional advisers (with many more to follow)
Check in quizzes to deepen reflection
Live and recorded events
Practical visuals and tools you can use immediately
Once a member, you have life-time community access
New: Free Family Business Scorecard
A simple way to identify where balance exists, where pressure may be building, and where conversations may be needed across a family business.
Complete the quick scorecard and receive a personalised PDF report.
LEAPS is a process used by our team and clients all the time - and even my own family on a daily basis.
I’ll be sharing a set of LEAPS each week with you and encourage you to do your own version:
L: what have you learned?
E: what’s your energy / feeling word
A: what’s one thing you need to do?
P: what are you thinking / processing?
S: who or what can you shout out?
