Transformation from Inside Out

​Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.
Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.  ~ Carl Jung

   As a leadership coach, my mantra is "leadership from the inside out." That means, as you have greater clarity about yourself, your strengths, your triggers, your hopes and fears, you will become a more impactful leader.
   The same is true about every role and relationship of our lives: parent, spouse, son/daughter, friend, employee, citizen, neighbor, etc.

​   I learned this truth the hard way when a romantic relationship ended. Because I'm real insightful, I could clearly see all the issues my former partner had that contributed to the demise of our relationship, but I didn't see my contribution. After a while, I finally asked myself - with greater openness and courage than I had before - what were the ways my issues had impeded a healthy relationship. It took courage to see myself clearly, no presuppositions about who I am in my relationships based on how helpful I am to others. I had to take off my masks -- the masks I had learned since childhood to wear to be good enough. 
    Throughout my life, the Universe has been showing me that I am good enough -- actually, that I am awesome. I have only been able to recognize that truth as I have looked deeply beyond my mistakes and flaws, not ignoring them but seeing more deeply and comprehensively. As I have done that I have become more able to see the awesomeness in others. 
    What we see in ourselves determines how we live, how we interact with others. It determines how we show up as citizens, parents, spouses, students, co-workers, and so on.
    How I wish this simple truth were more fully embraced across U.S. culture -- taught in our homes, spiritual communities, and schools, practiced by those who lead in city councils, state legislative assemblies, U.S. Congress, and White House. What a different nation this would be. But this takes courage. 
    I pray for leaders of courage. We have enough leaders who have lots of bravado -- with issues that really matter to people's lives, that means nothing and accomplishes nothing. We must see beyond the bravado to assess if there is real courage to be authentic and genuine. We must support political, religious and other leaders who are courageous.
    This kind of courage starts with one individual who models it for others. So I invite and challenge you to practice this inside out approach in your life. Start with one role or relationship and expand it to others.Namaste.