The Beauty of Beginnings – Introducing Rise and Shine on Purpose
Starting something new can be exciting. It can also be intimidating. While it could be nice to have a crystal ball to know how things will happen and when; the beauty isn’t always at the end – it’s starts at the beginning.
In early July, I took part in a purpose alumni workshop (Leading from Purpose in Turbulent Times) with the Core Leadership Institute which is what brings me to writing this post today.
Quick side note – I participated in their Purpose to Impact workshop led by Nick Craig in December 2018. It was a transformational experience. Literally. If I hadn’t done that program then, I wouldn’t be writing this now. Read more about my journey here.
Going into the alumni workshop though, I was admittedly a little skeptical.
First, the program was going to be completely virtual. I was already feeling some Zoom fatigue, but I was thinking most about the level of connectiveness you experience with in person events. It is so powerful and hard to replicate virtually.
Second, the program was also going to be four days (four hours each) split over two weeks. I was asking myself, “Will we be able to truly disconnect from our normal work to focus on this work and each other? Will we really be able to pull back the layers of the onion with shorter amounts of time together?”
The quick answers – yes and heck yes.
Leading into each day, we had some light (yet mentally heavy) homework to prep us for the upcoming session. Then, during our time together, we covered four main areas:
- The moment you saw the angel in the marble
- Finding the Michelangelo inside of you
- Identifying your giant marble challenge
- Releasing the angel from the marble
As we explored each of these areas and the history of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David, I realized that we all have an opportunity to create something beautiful. However, we must be willing to see past the impurities and the insecurities. When we cast our eyes beyond being in the story and instead on being the writer of the story – that is when we will release the angel from the rock.
All of this work helped me shape a new story, a new beginning and I’m anxiously excited to introduce – (queue sound effects for a drum roll)…
Rise and Shine on Purpose is about stepping into a life of living and leading bravely and boldly. It’s about shining my light and shining light on others. It’s about seeing how we (you, me, us together) can RISE to the challenge and SHINE in the opportunity.
I’m looking forward to seeing the beauty of this new beginning and hope you’ll join me on the journey to make the world brighter.
One Comment
Celine McElvery
Yes & heck yes Brandi! 😛 As a fellow traveler on this Purpose alumni journey, I’m awed & inspired by what you’ve done with Rise & Shine (and how quickly)! Keep shining your beautiful light – the world really needs your powerful words and soulful wisdom! <3