Show Up and Be The Light
Posted on LinkedIn November 2015
I have been working since I was 14 years old. I've always enjoyed being a "worker" and more than that I enjoy people and connection that come with work. It's why I have worked in office environments for most of my career.
I really love people and community. I've made long lasting friendships and lifelong career connections through work.
Since graduating from college I have been showing up for the people and the connection (and yes, the paycheck too)- on and off, but mostly on (close to 15 years in corporate) for 18 years, Monday through Friday 9 to 5. People, creativity, interaction, teamwork, storytelling and building relationships is why I work in television and video. It's why I am a Certified Professional Coach.
And with people and connection comes conflict, tension, politics, disappointment, and competition. When you bring together different people, with different agendas, personalities, and behaviors, conflict is inevitable.
I heard a spiritual thought leader say something at a Friday night talk in the East Village that changed the game for me. My attitude, demeanor, intention, peace of mind and even my anxiety all shifted to produce a better version of me.
"Be the light at work."
Wow, you mean I shouldn't blame people around me, beat myself up, complain, or feverishly look for new opportunities to escape it all?
I'm supposed to show up and be the light. Shine my warm rays on everyone in every conversation and in every email or script that I write. Ask (before I step into the building) that everyone show up with the intention to do their very best for the greater good. And if they don't, I shouldn't take it personally. I will just agree to not undermine or make them feel smaller by my actions or words.
Be the light! Oh hell yeah.
As the light, I put my differences aside and get the job done with integrity. As the light, I can't be concerned with being right or proving myself.
That's the stuff you let go of when you're the light ;-)!
You can still be firm and challenge people when they aren't being helpful or productive but in that approach help them grow or simply get what you need from them to get the job done.
And be kind always.
When you are the light everything feels lighter in your body and in your process. You smile more. You are clear with your own intention and vision and you get results. You don't have much to lose when you are the light because no one can dim your essence and take away your power. Show up being your authentic self and infuse fun and laughter. Change the vibration in your meetings and your conversations. Don't take yourself too seriously. Be the light and be open to all of the lessons that land on your desk or fill your inbox. There's wisdom to be unearthed every day so be the light and pay attention to what is revealed.
Shine on!