What would you do if there were no rules?
Do you ever feel like you are in a rhythm of life that is sweeping you along? The holidays tend to bring up that feeling in me. There are so many stories around what the holidays should look like.
My rebellion value reminds me that there is NO ONE WAY to do anything.
And that even this - the end of the year rhythm - includes ways to be at choice.
Part of the rhythm, for me, is winding down. With that comes more down time. Netflix knows I am relaxing more. My headphones know I am getting filled up from podcasts. And in each of those lies inspiration.
When you connect to something inspiring, the inner critic disappears in the background.
When you dare to do things your own way, you get a clearer look into your own brilliance. Saying yes to your brilliance inspires others.
Two down-time discoveries reminded me about the power of creating your own way. The rebel in me beamed.
What was Dolly Parton’s way?
Dolly accepted a role as the “girl singer” on the most successful country television show of its time in 1967. She was really early in her career and the show’s creator and star, Porter Wagoner, was a legend. Their partnership lasted 10 years and was rife with conflict. Dolly had big dreams for herself, including striking out on her own. Remember that this was radical in those days. She knew it was a risk and leapt into it with grace. Here is the kicker: Dolly's end to her partnership with Porter was brilliant. She took a seat in his office and played a brand new song to mark the occasion. And she loved into the lyrics, by always loving him. Can you imagine ending a decade long job by singing a song? Mic drop. Literally.
Relationships of any kind are hard. Dolly lived into her values with Porter until the final days of his life 30 years later. He dedicated years of his life and energy to derailing her career, but nothing could stop her.
What was Asma Khan’s way?
Asma is the head chef and owner of the Darjeeling Express restaurant in London. Her story is remarkable. As the second born daughter to an Indian family, she was a disappointment from the get go. When your birth itself is a rebellion, you must pave your own way (not to say it is easy). Asma followed a line of clues that led her to increasingly deviate from tradition.
Here is the kicker: she staffs her restaurant with a squad of South Asian women who have no formal training. Those women are her original community of women away from home. As she continued on a successful path, she held her honor for those women. Because they were part of her early days as a chef hosting salon dinners in her home. Food critics thought she was nuts, but her restaurant soared. And she continued to defy all the rules of the restaurant industry.
What is your own way?
Reflect back on your life and pick a moment where you felt like you were breaking the rules.
What did you do?
How did it deviate from the standard path?
What inspired you?
Celebrate that part of you and invite her in to the end of the year.
What is one thing you want to do your way? No rules attached.
Shine On,
Alicia