YOU are Essential
Who you are … MATTERS.
Allow this simple sentence to sink in.
Who you are .... MATTERS.
Leading up to my time of preparation and writing to you, I seek guidance. I find, reflection gives me perspective and guidance. This last week, as I meditated on what would be meaningful for me to write and share with you, I asked...
”What message will be valuable to you and to myself as we continue this journey in and through the trenches of Covid-19?”
Within the circles I follow and engage on social media from hospitality, leadership, self-development and self-care, fitness, healthy eating and inner peace – the theme of “valuing ourselves” and taking this time to recognize what we truly value, is a consistent message.
Last weekend in her Sunday Paper, Maria Shriver wrote,
“I know that how I see myself matters. How you see yourself matters, too. What I do know is that all of us are essential. In this post-pandemic world, what will really matter most—what will really be essential—is who we are on the inside.”
YES!!!
Can we agree?
Can you agree, that who you are matters?
Can you agree, that your inner core being is your true source of power and strength?
Can you agree, that your inner core deserves attention, love and care just like your jobs, your responsibilities and your relationships?
If your job has been considered non-essential, it certainly does not mean “who you are” is non-essential. What it can potentially mean is - you have been given more time and the opportunity to look inside into the inner core of who you are and what you want in life.
You may be rolling your eyes and thinking,
I still don’t have time with all the new added responsibilities at home
or
I don’t know where to start
or
I haven’t stopped to actually think about how I matter, I’m always pouring out to others
Take a deep breath.
You are okay,
and you matter.
If your job is considered essential and you are on the frontlines every day, “THANK YOU.” Our nation will not stop thanking you for your commitment and sacrifice. Understandably, you may not have time or energy at the end of every draining day to take a deep dive into your inner core self as you give, give, and give.
Take a deep breath.
You are okay,
and you matter.
And, you will need time to recover.
Our jobs, deemed essential or non-essential, do not define us completely – WE ALL ... MATTER. We matter in different ways and we matter with our different skill sets and abilities. We matter with our passions and our hopes for a future. We are all unique individuals and that is part of what makes our lives so beautiful. No one and nothing can take away the beauty of the core of who we are within our inner selves.
Realizing my own value
When I was fresh out of college at the age of 21, I started working in the hospitality industry at a hotel in Beverly Hills, California. I was enthusiastic. I was competitive. And, I was hungry to learn all about the hospitality industry. When I moved to New York and as the years passed as I worked my way up the ladder within the hotel industry, I slowly began to listen to my inner core shift. I began to realize, my passion for intentionally serving hotel guests and creating memorable moments for guests was not going to be my life-long career path. At least, not in the same way that I once envisioned for myself.
Nevertheless, I endured and mostly enjoyed a decade of hotel management experiences that ultimately led me to where I am today as an entrepreneur. Now, I’m able to work with hotel professionals in a way that is truer to my personal and professional core being, my story and my personality. I am able to lend my extensive knowledge and provide leadership support that is typically, not offered within the hotel leaders' day in and day out context.
I believe, I am not only staying true to my inner core values, but I am serving my community of hospitality with greater meaning with the tools and resources that I use. Recently, I was on a hospitality zoom call with a former colleague who entered my role at a hotel in New York shortly after I left. We had a good laugh as she mentioned the rumor that “I was in the army” before accepting my role and responsibility. I couldn’t disagree with her. At that particular time, my mindset and my commitment to excellence knew no bounds. My team stood taller when I walked by and had a tendency to abruptly stop doing whatever they shouldn’t be doing when they heard my heels coming down the hall.
In reality, my commitment to excellence, attention to detail and general confidence is what got me to the high levels of management that I aspired. At the same time, what only few colleagues saw, was my softer side – my empathy, love and care. I do know my team always knew that I cared about them and I was supportive of them. As I reflect on that period of time now, I know, if I were to be back in that role and responsibility – I would have a different approach, today. I would lead myself being more committed to the whole inner core of who I am and who I want to be. I now recognize, I can still drive myself and others and still stay true to the core of who I am.
I must admit. I did kind of love watching people be, just a little, scared of me.
Now it’s your turn
I recognize your responsibilities, your non and essential jobs and your families are all deeply valuable and important to you. Me, too. Your values are a support to your roadmap of life. Taking the time to recognize what you value and “why” will not only bring you peace during this time, but greater fulfillment and happiness throughout your life.
My encouragement to you is to "go deeper”. Give yourself permission to recognize - “You Matter.” Whether you choose to wake up a little extra before the kids or stay up a little later to give yourself personal time - You matter. Or, it’s possible, setting a 15-minute quiet time alarm in the middle of the day will be helpful to you. Or making a choice to take a breath by going into the bathroom or closet at work to give you a few moments to bring clarity to your mind and emotions. Each one of these practices can give you an opportunity to take a deep breath and reconnect with your inner self. Can you add a few of these practices? I promise, You are worth it.
Also, writing or journaling is helpful. When you choose to take the time to write – you may find writing about your top 4 most valued cornerstones (things in your life that are most important to you) can be a supportive guide to move your life forward and move you into your new hope and future. Often, I use this exercise in coaching my clients. Yes, it may seem so simple. And yet, I find within the coaching context, it is my role to make the complex simple to understand. The actual act of acknowledging what you most value in your life and work is eye opening.
I’ve been so moved by seeing the photos of medical workers meditating, praying and holding space for one another during their work hours. The commitment to reconnect with themselves so they can better serve others is so inspiring. They are not losing sight of their core values of who they are despite their endured hardship.
As I see the donations, meals and support that are provided to those in need from those who can give back – the human spirit is phenomenal. My sister and brother-in-law have been using their resources and receiving donations from others to deliver meals to hospital workers throughout NYC multiple times a week. Truly the core of who they are, givers and providers, at such a time as this, is beautiful.
Take the time for you. Your present inner self will “Thank You” and your future self needs you to prepare. The more you connect with your inner self, the more you will lead your life with confidence in your core values. As you trust your foundational values, your inner being will support and guide you to your future that is waiting for you.
With Gratitude and always here for you,
Chelsea