Four months ago, we found out that our border collie Max (left in this photo) had an aggressive cancer, and he died a few days ago. For those fur baby Mumma’s and Pupa’s out there, I don’t have to tell you how painful that was. Even knowing it was coming it rocked our world. I lost my father the same way 20 years ago. He was the same age as I am now. I have learnt that often when we go through loss in the present, any unresolved grief from our past will also re-emerge – I can feel this happening within me and some days I feel overwhelmed.
And as death will do, it has had me stop and reflect on life.
I feel like 2024 has been a year of letting go for me. And I have also worked with many executives this year who have had to let go of things they loved - Jobs, relationships, family, friends, homes, fur babies. Letting go of what is no longer ours is hard! I notice how I want to hold on, bargain, overthink, and find answers, all to try to avoid my grief and fear of what it all means, all to avoid the feelings of emptiness and powerlessness to change what is or has happened. And that is ok, that is human.
I don’t believe letting go gracefully means we don’t have big feelings; in fact, it is often the avoidance of our feelings that can make our lives, our leadership and our behaviours unmanageable.
For all who are currently going through big transitions and loss may we be gentle with ourselves and each other. And may we remember that to live, love and lead fully, in all aspects of our lives, change and loss will be a natural part of life…it is part of the human experience. But let's not do it alone. Connection, nature, and nurture help soothe our sore hearts.
And as we gently let go of what is no longer ours, we allow space for what is to arrive.
With love
Jo
#leadlikeyou #authenticleadership #lettinggo
Massive s/o to Lucy Steel, Liam Rushen and Amy Green for making this magic happen!