I recently took a risk. I added business contacts to my Facebook page and uploaded my personal blog on LinkedIn. I’ve always maintained a clear line between my professional life and my personal life. This seemingly simple switch came from a recent conversation I had about modern global leadership.
Integrating Personal + Professional
I will be the first to admit I have siloed my life. I have a “professional side” and a “personal life side.” As most of my friends and colleagues know, there’s not a drastic difference between these sides. I consider myself to be a genuine person, and I’m 90%-100% myself in almost all environments.
We are the change!
What if we always showed up as 100%?
With that said, I can’t help but wonder: what if we were completely ourselves in every part of our lives? 6 Months to Live has been my top passion project for the past 2 years. I was worried about sharing it in a professional environment because I was afraid that it would discount my “professional face” (as with the post Shit Happens!) and that my moments of vulnerability in this blog and in my writing would be seen as over-expression and ultimately, weakness.
New Era of Leadership
The new leaders of the world are human. They’re collaborative, authentic, and honest. They lead by example, and they lead with their hearts. My favorite quote of all time has always been: “You Must Be the Change you Wish to See in the World.” The change I wish to see is that people feel inspired and safe to be who they truly are–whoever that is*. And if I really believe in Gandhi’s words, that means I can share my passion for life, writing, the banjo, humor, art, the international community, and so much more in all environments because that is me.
The act of sharing our full true selves with the world is nearly unprecedented. If anyone can do this, you can!
Thanks Mamma R! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this. Yet another confirmation for what a new friend said this summer “If what I say resonates with you, great. If not, throw it away.” I’m also being more authentic in all areas of my life. And, it’s amazing how much people appreciate us being real. I believe that’s what we all want. Honesty and realness in our relationships.
Keep smiling and sharing that light in your heart . . . and
Feel Peace & BE the Transformer . . .
Thanks Mark! I think you’re right. Most people just want to be themselves and not feel the need to draw clear lines between different parts of their lives.
You are brave.
Thank you!
Here’s to being our authentic selves at all times! Great post Jacqueline. Margie
Thanks Margie! Cheers to that!
Congratulations! We should all be as brave and committed as you are
Thanks! That means a lot!
Wonderfully said and I couldn’t agree more. Realness. That’s what people crave. Robotic just doesn’t work anymore. We are beyond industrialization and manufactured- selves. Authenticity…I love it.
Thanks lady! You couldn’t be more on target–robots are so last decade(s)/century! 😉
Congrats in integrating both sides of your life, it’s no easy task! I’m definitely leery of letting certain aspects of my life into my “business” life. It’s also hard when you work in a more conservative environment, where your “elders” generally can’t or won’t appreciate my sense of humor or values even. I found this out unintentionally during business trips with my bosses LOL you can say it was a learning experience. Maybe when I’m older and more secure in my life, I can be the candid person I like to be, that and when I stop cussing like a sailor hahaha.
Haha…well, I’m trying. Sounds like you are too. It can be more challenging in a conservative environment for sure. Keep me updated on your progress! 😉
I love that Gandhi quote too, Jackie. Another one I like is “Your life is your message.”
I really like that! I’ve never heard that before.
Way to go Jackie! That’s my all time fav quote too. And by the way, do you know where I am now? Right in Gandhi’s land, India. Loving it!
Hugs
Luca
That’s awesome! I feel honored that you not only read but also commented on my blog all the way from India! What are you doing there?
Again you enter uncharted territory with abandon. Love it!
Thank you! I really appreciate your words, Jason!
Way to go – we only have one life to live – if more people lived that life with conviction…well, who knows what can happen! (I say this yet know that on a day to day basis, I don’t follow, but on a grander scheme – I do! Sometimes the small puzzle pieces don’t jive with the greater puzzle until a little down the line!)
Love the quote – words truly to live by!
Thanks Anita! Good point. There was a great quote in Steve Jobs’ commencement address that basically said that you can’t connect the dots going forward. Only when you look backwards can you see how it all fit together. Appreciate your visit and really liked your blog!
What a great fortune cookie!! 🙂
I was looking around google and found it. I think it’s an awesome image! Click on the image to see the website I borrowed it from.
Nice one Jacqueline. We would never know what lies ahead if we are too afraid to make that move. There’s no greater feeling of fulfillment than being able to be who you truly are without being afraid.Thank u!
Making that move can be scary for sure, but you’re right about the feeling of fulfillment to do something that is truly authentic and meaningful for us! Thanks so much for your comment!
I totally agree with this post! Be who you are in all the aspects of life! I must admit it’s difficult sometimes, too much social pressure… so I’m happy you decided to change that yourself! By doing this you’re inspiring others!!! 😉
Muchas gracias! Yes, social pressure can definitely be difficult to overcome. Glad you found it inspiring! 😉
Being you is the most beautiful, genuine and generous gift you can give to yourself and with world. A sincere heart, honest and with integrity is what we all need in a world filled with corruption, deceit, materialism. Follow your heart and be an inspiration for us all. I like every piece of this . It reminds all of us what is really important in our lives. Have blessed day and best fishes.
I like every piece of this post…
So happy to hear that!
I agree, wholeheartedly! Thank you so much for your encouragment! I was deeply inspired by your blog and the love that you and your wife share. In fact, as I was biking to work this morning, I thought about your words when describing her, and I thought to myself, “That’s how I want my future husband to talk about me.” 🙂 Happy trails and best fishes to you as well!
Be the change to want to see in the world.
I love that quote. 🙂 I try to live by it too…when I remember to. ^^;
Right on! 🙂