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I do think a number of positive things come with aging. One for me is that I am more confident and comfortable with my own terms.
I am confident in how I want to do business and live my life. I am comfortable displaying those sentiments through my behavior, having tough conversation (if needed) and saying no when it means that my capacity is on overload; and, it will not serve good for any situation. While, I love challenges, being able to discern between what will energize me and what will drain me is important. Self-care is recognized this month and there is a reason that it is needed as a national recognition month. Many neglect self and pour every ounce in to other people, other things, just other than self. Take a breath, exhale and determine your terms for living a thriving, healthy and fulfilling life while you have it here on this planet.
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I know my terms regarding boundaries and expectations in both my personal and work life. Yes, they intersect for all of us; and, it is always up to us to set boundaries and expectations. Now, I am more courageous than ever before in my life in setting those boundaries. This comfortableness has been a lifetime in the making but I have finally arrived. I am clear on my terms regarding who I open my life to; open my family to; even who I open my dinner table to. I guard my free time for the most precious people in my life; and/or the charitable organizations that are near or dear to my heart.
I listen. I listen to the discerning voice that has always been with me. Unfortunately, in the past I have not always given it a priority. When that discerning voice is singing in my head or punching me in my gut; I stop, listen and act on it.
My terms are simple enough. All of them involve words like trust, honesty, authenticity, reciprocity, kindness and, of course, love. I have been writing about these concepts for years. I have also been working for years to master these principles in my own life, my own dealings, and my own discernment.
Here is an article that I authored a while back but, once again, it is timeless and speaks to truth, honestly, kindness and authenticity. All from a business perspective. Yet, it all can be and should be transferred to our personal lives too.
In your quiet time, are you willing to listen to your discerning voice? Are you willing to act on it? Do you let your discerning voice tell you who to get into business with? Who to accept a networking meeting with? Have you taken the time to literally write down what your boundaries and expectations are? If you have, kudos to you because it took me a long time. If you have not done so, please take the time. It is up to you to decide. It makes life that much more enjoyable, healthy and fulfilling.
Breathe, exhale and spend some quiet time and then answer the question: What are your terms?
Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants LLC. Sonya is a Business & Marketing Consultant; Content Creator & Connection-Maker; Thought Leader & Industry Expert and Book Author & Entrepreneur. Areas of expertise include: Retail, Marketing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Human Resources. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 30 years . Interested in Sonya’s books? They can be found on Amazon. Please feel free to contact her at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com to talk about your next project and how Jarvis Consultants can support your initiatives.