Building a business can provide fertile ground for self-knowledge and growth, especially when those by your side are near and dear to you. 2018 was one heck of a year for us at Awakened Spirit, full of the kind of challenges, shifts, and commitment necessary to evolve and adapt to change. From the other side of a year that kept us on our toes and asked our full presence, we are grateful. We are emerging stronger, softer, more aligned and intimately connected to our vision.
What have we learned?
Here are some of the key takeaways from this transformative year.
1. Keep on keeping on.
Do not give up. Do take breaks when needed. Self-care is of the utmost importance. Remember to smile.
2. Say no and trust your gut.
Setting boundaries where they need to be set can mean walking peacefully away from people and situations that no longer serve or are abusive. Trusting our gut and saying no can feel painful but is often what is most true for us. Truth leads to less suffering in the end.
3. Pay attention to where you are placing your energy.
Are you caring too much about actions and words that are not serving you or your mission? Notice when your energy is being distracted or drained, shift your interactions accordingly, and don’t get derailed by other people’s negativity.
4. Aim true.
People may project both positive and painful realities onto you and it’s important to stay neutral. Attaching yourself to either is an obstacle for personal growth. When you realign with your True North your vision gets stronger and your message carries further.
5. Good intentions just don’t cut it.
Even in conscious business stating clear deliverables, contracts and dissolution agreements (describing what you and your co-creators will do if things take a different course) is necessary. A business breakup is still a breakup, even if you have the best of intentions.
6. Align, and then realign.
Your vision and mission will grow and shift over time. Don’t give up on the mission. Instead, take time periodically to reassess systems, programs and commitments and realign. Your project will evolve just like you do. We are so in love with our community and we realign to this incredible work daily. It’s a true privilege to serve.
7. Surround yourself with supportive community.
Remember you are worthy, your work in this world matters and a strong community is an incredible support to your success. Celebrate your own success and the success of others. There is more than enough space for everyone to succeed.
Ultimately? Difficulty and conflict can be great teachers, however we can learn from the whole spectrum of experiences.
We look forward to sharing all that we have planned for 2019 and to grow together with you. Did 2018 feel like a year of major transformation and growth for you? Please share your perspective below.
