I had the immeasurable pleasure of starting this year in one of my favorite countries, with some of my very favorite people, doing the work I love most… Helping petpreneurs find freedom and fulfilment by building brands instead of just business (and because what happens in Mexico, stays on instagram, you can see some of our best memories here: #p4luxe2018)
To me, one of the most delightful rewards for building a brand around what you love and are good at, instead of just a business in a box like everyone else’s, is having the freedom to dream up work that fills you to the brim with winter sun and sea, pride, meaningful conversations, euphoric chill and the immense satisfaction of knowing what you do is actually helping people transform their lives for the better.
It’s almost too much to contain, the joy of watching all of the planning, risk and hard ass work pay off in such incredible ways.
I did expect to have a great time in Mexico, enjoying the food, the people, the sunshine and the break from real life… What I did NOT expect to happen, was to have my whole life’s purpose shifted into focus.
Sure, I’ve got my brand statement down (did you catch it? I’ve already mentioned it here: ‘I help entrepreneurs find freedom and fulfilment by building brands instead of just businesses.’ Boom!) But what does it actually MEAN?
I hadn’t actually questioned this recently, because it seemed clear enough to me. I’m am a FIGHTER for the causes I care about, which largely center around advocating for entrepreneurs like you (especially women in the pet industry), helping you to see your own brilliance and provide tools, advice and support to help you get out of your own way – define and build the life of your dreams with your unique skills, resources and genius WHILE you do all that ‘changing the world for the better’ stuff that is YOUR true purpose. It doesn’t have to be YOU or the WORLD – both can benefit simultaneously from your hard work and compassion.
Great, so I know my why, and I can communicate it (step #1 and step #2 of brand building ticked off!) Awesome, that’s a huge win! But… what about #3 of those all-important 5 Dogly Principles: Authenticity. Am I LIVING it?
The whole point of creating alignment between ‘why you do what you do’ and ‘what you get paid to do’ (which is the core of what I believe and teach and live) is to make it all easier…
To make it all more fun. To make it almost effortless to show up, commune with your tribe, create content that resonates with your audience and most importantly – to enjoy the benefits of being immersed in ‘your why’ and the magic you’ve created surrounding it.
The whole point of building a brand is to enjoy the marketing, to enjoy the process.
Am I allowing myself permission to enjoy it?
To FEEL it? To do the things I suggest that other people do to experience the joy, love and freedom that comes along with being the owner of a successful brand? Well, the short answer is no. No I was not.
We had this incredible opening ceremony on the first day of the P4 Luxe retreat…
The retreat took place in the ‘Mayan Riviera’ – in Yucatán, Mexico… South of Cancun, North of Tulum. This is sacred Mayan land, dotted with ruins of Mayan temples of incomprehensible stature and beauty. To honor the sacred nature of the location, and to summon wonderful positive energy for our weekend there, I sought out a spiritual guide to walk us through a ritual and create a special atmosphere in which we could all learn, connect and let go.
For me, it was one of the most spiritual experiences I’ve ever had. It fundamentally changed me. It shifted and awakened something inside me that now, will not be ignored.
I will bring your more on this very soon – because there is SO much I want to tell you… (starting with a mega reading list about happiness) that connects to my big ‘ah ha’… but for now I want to ask you a quick question…
What are you fighting for?
What are you clinging to and defending and protecting and holding on to? What are you withholding from yourself or not letting yourself fully enjoy or appreciate?
Another magic story from that morning…
After the retreat one of my retreat attendees shared this story with me:
As I was walking away, I feel a tap on my shoulder.
I turn around and it was the Magic Lady, looking at me with a huge smile on her face. She hugged me and whispered into my ear “Ahora escuchame bien” “Now listen to me good,” “me estas escuchando?” “are you listening to me?” I answered “SI” “YES” She then said “Lo Unico que vale la pela luchar por es Alegria” “The only thing that is worth fighting for is JOY” “Me entiendes?” “Do you understand me?” “Si?” YES?” “Me entiendes?” “You understand me?” she repeated it again “Lo unico que vale pelear por es Alegria”. “The only thing worth fighting for is JOY” She brought me closer, hugged me tighter, gave me a kiss on the cheek, looked into my eyes, and said, “Bien”, “GOOD” she then turned around and continued to look into the ocean…
So again I ask… What are you fighting for?
What do you WANT to be fighting for? Is it going to get you closer to your version of freedom and fulfilment? Is it helping you expand or is it keeping you small? Does it light you up and turn you on?
I’d love to know… pop on over to Instagram and tell us!