Summer Sunset at Horne Lake in BC, Canada. Photography by Sharon K. Summerfield. Quote by Albert Camus

Learning to Learn Again

Just over six years ago I was in an accident that seriously disrupted my life.

The work I had been part of for years, I was unable to do.

I had launched my business and the work I was passionate about needed to be put on hold.

I needed help with many things.  I had to learn to learn again.

For many of us the past number of years has been a time of disruption and finding new ways forward.

As I reflect, I took my experience as an Executive Assistant and working on large infrastructure projects to build my team and my passion for helping people to invest in their wellbeing to prevent burnout, to navigate a very different way forward.

I now needed to walk my own talk to invest in my wellbeing so I could, as I was able, do the important work I continue to be so passionate about.

I called this “Project Me” and the Project Director of Project Me was Klara Schwab, my talented physio, who I worked with for four years.

In this conversation with Janet Fanaki the host of Resilient People I share the importance of finding those ways to invest in our wellbeing, that works for us.

There are so many ways our lives have been disrupted:

  • An accident
  • An illness
  • A lay off
  • A toxic and unsafe workplace
  • Aging parents
  • Changing careers
  • A dear friend or family member passes away
  • Realizing we need to do life and work in different ways
  • And so much more

It is amazing the strength we find in ourselves as we navigate new waters.

Summer Sunset at Horne Lake in BC, Canada. Photography by Sharon K. Summerfield. Quote by Albert Camus

In these times of disruption, we often need to carefully consider our constraints and find those ways to step back to grow.

When these changes happen, it is so important to remember we are not starting from square one, or from middle C (had to the get music analogy in there).

We have amazing experience and expertise to draw from.

Photo at Horne Lake in the middle of the forest fires in 2018, where the smoke was very thick. Photography by Sharon K. Summerfield, featuring a quote by Brene Brown from her book The Gifts of Imperfection

No matter what you are navigating, take the time to just be.
When our lives are disrupted, we can feel so alone.

It is learning to be and do life in different ways that helps us navigate our way forward.

This is having faith and discovering the oxygen of hope in different places.
Our relationships with ourselves, others and those who travel along in this journey with us.

The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to be kind and gentle.

And ask, what do I need in this moment?

In creating and starting something new or different you are bringing all your rich expertise and experience with you.

It is up to you to choose what you will step towards and what you will let go of.

In what ways can you learn to learn again?

Be kind

Be patient

Be nourished in all you do.

Photography by Sharon K. Summerfield

Photo of Sharon K. SummerfieldAt The Nourished Executive we help leaders invest in wellbeing, with a holistic lens, to prevent burnout.

Our founder, Sharon K. Summerfield, is a Wellbeing Coach, Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Growth Advisor, with a demonstrated success in nurturing healthy employees and high performing organizations.

We have a strong commitment to giving back, investing and supporting local community.

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