I recently ran a workshop with Norwich City Football Club Women's team at Carrow Road Football Stadium. I found it fantastically inspiring how these women are going against all the odds for the win!
The feedback from the team was that it was "Really powerful to connect so deeply and learn more about each other ahead of our 5 key matches next month", "Super engaging and got us out of our comfort zone."
Promotion to the next division is within reach and I've no doubt they'll achieve it. They're such an inspiring and determined group!
It reminded me of the importance of finding and leaning into different types of self-expression.
And ultimately connecting more fully with yourself will help you to better connect with your team.
The key is finding vessels that help you express all the different parts of you, because when you do, you'll feel fully alive.
This isn't reserved for footballers or artists, I believe that everyone has the opportunity to find their own vessel(s) for self-expression.
I'm going to share the benefits and suggestions on how to unearth yours...
Benefits of Self-Expression
Overcoming Obstacles - Ryan Holiday may have told us that the "Obstacle is
Greater Understanding - As Socrates said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom." By finding ways to unearth who you truly are, what motivates you and what brings you joy you gain clarity on your values, become more confident and will make better decisions.
Improved mental health - Self-expression will help clear your mind, lower stress and boost self-esteem and you no longer allow negative thoughts and fears to fester unchallenged.
Connection & Belonging - By sharing what you enjoy with others, you create a bond with people. This in turn encourages other people to share their thoughts and feelings with you as you're signalling that it's safe to do so.
Ideas for Action 👉
I encourage you to think of this like a hunt for what you enjoy and what gives you energy (and you don't need to stick to just one!);
- Pay attention to what lights you up! Make a list of personal interests and passions that you enjoy and wish you could spend more time doing.
- Do your "Morning Pages" - Julia Cameron who wrote, "The Artist's Way" suggests a practice called "morning pages" where you write in a continuous stream of consciousness on three sides of paper. I find that this can help in two ways in particular, either to purge all of the unhelpful thoughts that can swirl in our heads so we can get to the good stuff or by highlighting patterns in our thoughts that need our attention.
- Think back to what you loved as a child: This is a powerful one as when we're young, we have the time and raw connection to what we truly enjoy before having the weight of societal expectations and responsibilities. For example, I used to spend hours painting my grandparents' terracotta tiles, just with water and then watching the sun blanche my creations away! Asking friends and family who have known you a long time can help to remind you.
- Hone your outward expression - Your inner voice is already speaking to you through your clothes, food, perfume and home decoration choices. So I invite you to try to be even more intentional in the way that you express yourself through what you wear or buy.
- Go on a Pinterest rampage! If you're not sure of your overarching taste, you can always go on what I call a Pinterest rampage and create boards of items that you love instinctively. Once you have a decent number, review the boards and notice what keeps popping up.
And remember, the longest relationship we will have is with ourselves, so it stands to reason that the quality of all our relationships is built around our ability to express and celebrate our individuality.
Weekly Painting 🖼️
Take a moment to reflect on what I've shared by watching me paint, "Aliveness" inspired by where I feel truly alive - at one of my local Norfolk beaches 👇