SPG Blog

A few years ago I was asked to serve as a board member in a community I am a part of. At the time, I was honoured to be asked. I liked the idea of making decisions and having a voice. I also felt somewhat inadequate. I realized that I hadn’t always brought my best self to that community. I sometimes was selfish and looked to the community to take care of me, rather than being a contributor.

I consciously decided that if I said yes to this leadership role I had to consciously try bring my best self to that community. I wasn’t going to be perfect, but I had to make an effort to bring all of my skills to the group. I needed to try to be creative instead of reactive, to bring my relationship skills and my kindness rather than my frustration and judgment.I joined the board. I ended up being a part of a highly functioning group. We worked well together, dissenting was both allowed and encouraged, and we made strong decisions and presented a united leadership front. It worked.

That moment, when I realized I could consciously change and bring my best self stays in my mind. It makes me wonder where the spots are I allow my worst self to show up. Sometimes with my family and with the phone company, I know. There are times when I am not sure whether I am bringing my best self or my worst self. When I stand up for something, and have unintended conflict, I am confused as to whether I am at my best or my worst. I cycle around and try to stand up for open communication and relationships.

I continue to work on bringing my best self to my life.