THE GIFT
While hibernating at home with my loved ones, I received an email from a great friend of mine, James. It was a link to a TED talk about a former methamphetamine addict and how he became a highly successful entrepreneur.
The entrepreneur shared three principles and how he actively pursued these daily exercises to stay alive:
· Practice rigorous authenticity,
· Surrender the outcome,
· Do uncomfortable work
I echo these same principals in my own life. I'm certainly no entrepreneur, but what I am is silly, I'm playful, I speak plainly and love deeply. I try anything without overthinking and if I succeed then I've surprised the hell out of myself. I removed the goalposts and celebrate the tiny wins. I've unearthed past hurts from my childhood which continues to be uncomfortable work. I'm still under construction or deconstruction, depends on whichever way I look at it. I no longer 'tick' each box, I'd rather simply choose to be gentle with myself and try again tomorrow.
When I first started doing this work, I was challenged in a way I never considered. I’m a natural caregiver, I’m a husband, a father, a son, a friend and all I wanted to do was continue doing what I knew I was good at; to reassure, suggest a solution or offer comfort. I now understand through self-development and gaining essential knowledge that I am merely a navigator to one's self-determination and safe journey forward.
At Hard Cuddles we present to schools and prisons and share our personal authentic experiences. We challenge thought processes and offer strategies. Not everyone will agree with the information provided, but I’m not in the business of seeking approval from anyone and if my experiences can help one person, then this is my gift to you.
Through viewing this Ted talk, it identified areas I need to work on. It's interesting when close friends can subconsciously know what you need. So, I thank my Hard Cuddles brother James Harding for sharing this gift.
Simi Leota
Hard Cuddles
