First Step On the Way

I sit here writing to you with trepidation, excitement, fear and grand expectation.  I'd call that a mixed bag, wouldn't you?

Why this blog?  I have set myself the goal of finishing the first draft of Meeting Yourself on the Way to Work: Finding Meaning from 9 to 5 within the next 120 days. As today is Tuesday, September 5th 2006 (and my daughter's birthday, too!) my hoped for completion date is January 2, 2007. I originally wrote this in July (hence the post date) but get waylaid My goal, with your help, is to complete this first draft manuscript!  If my math if off, which is entirely possible, please advise.

Why am I writing this and what for?  Good questions.

This book has been rumbling around in my head for a few years.  After doing public speaking on the topic, writing and delivering a series of teleclasses and creating a workshop, I decided enough all ready - get down to writing the book ! I started writing this book a year ago and - well, you can guess, because here I am trying it another way.

For over 25 years I have been counseling, mentoring, training and helping develop people's abilities, vision and courage in their work as well as their lives. 

From my early days as a psychotherapist, I have worked with what I call, "the walking wounded" of corporate life.  They walk, they talk, they show up at work, they even are successful, sometimes VERY successful by traditional standards. But, and this is a big But - they have left their souls at the door.  Somewhere along the way, they lost the way; or their way was dismissed, devalued or, perhaps, felt too dangerous to openly pursue. What comes, over time, when you are off course are often deep feelings of disengagement, loss, anger, frustration, blaming, busy idleness, loss of authenticity, assaults on your integrity, and emptiness - deep, searing, and scary. And, guess what? I have been there myself and know first hand how damaging, draining and alone it can feel.

I also passionately believe that it is our responsibility - not that of our employers, or the organization or the work/corporate culture to turn this disengagement around.  I believe that we are the authors of our own lives and that we can re-write the script if we think deep, consider new ways of being (not doing), and grow up and acknowledge that life and work are neither fair nor easy.

You can change your experience by changing how you choose to engage in your work, in your workplace, with your peers, direct reports, customers, vendors and a host of others.

Meeting Yourself on the Way to Work - is meant to be to be used as a compass pointing out 4 transcultural archetypal directions that can take you, your work and your life into new and profound territory. With great honor and appreciation, Angeles Arrien, a miraculous woman of deep wisdom, has allowed me to use the four archetypal patterns that she writes about in The Four Fold Way. This slim book of great depth provided me with a structured context within which I could explore how we can find, recapture, and extend the energies of our hearts, minds, spirit, and vision.  Thank you Angie, I hope this effort of mine is a small ray emanating from your shining vision of what is possible.

I will post parts of chapters, articles, quotations from others that have an impact on me in no particular order than what has passion and meaning for me in the moment.  I earnestly invite your reactions, your stories, your questions, your feedback, your critique and hopefully your support. In 90 days I hope I can announce success with my goal and my deep gratitude to all who have contributed to my learning.

I recently wrote an article entitled, "Success is Not a One-Person Sport", and I believe the same about this book.  If you find this interesting and intriguing enough, together we can make a contribution to others who are thinking about and struggling with the same challenges, desires, despair and hope.

This book will come alive with your involvement - so, please come and visit often, write about what's important to you and let's see what we can create.

In gratitude,

Leslie

Comments

[Hilary Hartman]

Leslie,

Fantastic! You offer clear, concise wisdom that will be valuable to anyone searching to find their "true-self." In your writings, you do not merely provide advice, but help people to think through and better understand themselves. You are marvelously brilliant! Cheers, Hilary

[Patty Smith]

It is a little ironic that the thought of simplifying can cause me to become quite overwhelmed, but it's true!
I've been working on simplifying my life for the past few months while simultaneously starting two businesses and working a full-time job. I thought for some reason that this process would involve such things as scaling down on possessions and re-vamping my filing system. And I found to my surprise that, while those ideas are a part of simplifying, they are the smaller part of a larger idea that is now dawning on me. Here's what I'm learning (much to my surprise):

1) There is really no such thing as "saving time", only using time more wisely;
2) Planning & spending quality time with family & friends is vastly more fulfilling than spending money on gifts, especially during already-stressful holidays;
3) The more effort I put into securing my privacy & "alone time", the more I find I need my community.

Just a few of many thoughts on the subject - thanks for the outlet!