“It takes a village” was popping up everyone in my space last week. And when things show up a lot in my world, I take notice. I’ve believed in getting supported for a long time, but this theme of “it takes a village” smacked me in the face with a completely different energy from simply getting supported.
What struck me?
I’m not sure about you, but I was raised to be independent, self-sufficient and to rise above things. It was this belief that got me far in my career and in my life.
I can do it!
I’ve got it!
It’s empowering to know you can overcome obstacles!
BUT… these empowering characteristics can turn into core beliefs that hinder you:
- I’m independent therefore I have to figure it all out by myself.
- I am self-sufficient therefore I must do this on my own.
It gets rooted into us that support is weakness.
It feels like it is not possible to be both independent and self-sufficient and get supported. As if they are true opposites to each other.
But they aren’t.
They aren’t mutually exclusive.
To continue to be independent, self-sufficient and rise above – you need a village.
Sit with that a bit.
You need a village to be independent, self-sufficient and rise above.
A village!
Think about that. A village is a community. A community that is focused on people thriving together. One where we get to push and challenge each other to be the best versions of ourselves because when we do we all rise above. One where you can be vulnerable and question your decisions because that’s how we learn together. One that celebrates – YOU, even in the midst of chaos.
A village is not simply support. It’s a community and the community doesn’t always have to co-exist together.
My village…
It includes friends who have never met each other, but each has a special role in my community. It includes coaches who challenge me on so many levels and celebrate the chaos with me. It includes family who continue to create conflict so that I can stretch myself more and more. And on and on.
How does my village allow me to be independent and self-sufficient?
I know I can do a lot of things on my own. BUT I don’t have too!
My village allows me to see when to lean in for support, guidance or help and when I can do it on my own. To trust in myself.
I have my village and I can do it!
Who is in your village?