When we’re going through a rough time in our work or personal life, it’s rare that we’ll stop and acknowledge the power of what we’re going through. Typically, we push forward to get things done, or “fix things”. We won’t focus on our own needs even while we’re busy getting things done for others. If we do stop and recognize that we’re stressed or run down, it’s rare that we show ourselves kindness. What would happen if you paused, acknowledged your feelings, and offered yourself a “soft guidance” in understanding what those feelings are telling you?

Who is the real you? Henry David Thoreau said it well: “Be yourself, not your idea of what you think somebody else’s ideas of yourself should be.” Knowing our true self affects how we view and experience life. It influences the choices we make, how we manage our relationships, and manifests through our behavior.

Ready or not, ‘tis the season for social activity. After 3 years of some form of isolation due to COVID, we have been thrown back, full force, into social interactions. But at year’s end, we are being pulled even more firmly into everything social!

“Work-Life Balance” is that over-used expression we have learned to ignore. It may surprise you to know that it first came into use in the 1970’s in response to concerns surrounding women formally joining the mostly male dominated workforce. When women began to engage in fulltime employment, the natural expectations included the intricate juggling act of “gracefully” handling a full time job and traditional female family responsibilities.

In today’s professional world, women have made incredible strides in taking action to promote their career advancement. But while we have seen an increase in women stepping up to C-suite positions, some women still experience and battle their own limiting beliefs.

Taking better care of yourself can have a deep impact on your career. My clients are women who are committed to their professional goals and who want to live a fulfilling personal life. I often work with women who are early-to-mid career; they want to continue to contribute professionally in the way that feels valuable to them.

Whatever situation we’re trying to “fix” or improve in our lives, we are often hunting for a solution that’s quick and easy to implement. It’s tempting to latch onto that advertised promise of an “easy proven process” that always delivers amazing quick results and has “already helped countless people just like you”. While that may work with finding the right stain remover or unclogging a drain, a more complex situation affecting your well-being is a whole different story.

If you ask 5 random women what they have to juggle every day, I’m willing to bet they will spout a litany of activities – full-time job, partner/spouse, children, elderly parents, care of the home, weekend plans, volunteer activities, and kids’ activities. Oh, and who’s making dinner?

Like many small business owners, my entrepreneurial journey began after a robust corporate career. It stands to reason that if you’re a woman who is focused on developing her career without losing her sense of self and devotion to her family, you’ll want to work with someone who not only gets it, but lived it.

Why did I create Kaleidoscope Holistic Wellness? It wasn’t an idea that popped into my head overnight. Having had a long and successful career as a corporate leader in a high-stress environment, I’ve personally lived the external challenges of climbing the professional ladder and navigating the monumental expectations we women place on ourselves.

As a professional whose vision includes rising to a vibrant position in your company, you’re constantly asked to set goals.

“What’s your career plan?” “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

Management wants to see you reach your greatest potential within your company, your family supports you, but let’s face it – no one’s harder on your ability to achieve than yourself. I often work with goal-oriented professional women who can see the future so clearly, they can almost touch it – and to attain that stature, they expect nothing less than 100% effort from themselves, sometimes to the point of being impractical and detrimental.

When considering how to conquer unhealthy habits and improve your wellbeing, one of the biggest hurdles is fear of change. While some hesitate to make changes for fear of failure, others dig in their heels and prefer to remain in the comfort of old habits, even if those habits are undeniably unhealthy.

It seems counterintuitive, but the most successful outcomes of a journey of self-discovery happen when you partner with a guide. Having a qualified professional working alongside you opens the door to learning what’s happening in your life from the inside out.