I am inspired and deeply moved by the authenticity in Jake Bailey’s speech and saddened that he has been told he hasn’t long to live.

Why is it that I come through for others and myself in those make or break moments and then at times revert back to what keeps me safe? I grew up thinking I had to protect myself from what others might think or say about me. I realized the wall I’d built around me to keep myself safe was also keeping out the joy, deep connections and rich experiences in my life.

I often do my best work when I feel I have nothing to lose. What is it I think I’ll lose when time after time people are inspired when I reveal myself?

I’ve been told I inspired them when I followed my dream to build a Coaching business in another country and move there. When I almost went bankrupt, or when I left a bad relationship and when I was scared and most vulnerable.

Writing about my worst moments in my Coaching business at the request of my client to share with his consultants was confronting for me in a very raw way. I was surprised his consultants were inspired, by my fortitude, persistence and innovative ways of rebuilding the business. Partnering, bringing in shareholders and creating different share values. (In NZ we call that Kiwi ingenuity)

Let's talk about going there! Being real and saying what needs to be said for the collective good.

When I knew I was going to lose a client and told them they needed to step up and take responsibility for the work they did. They ended up staying. It’s what they wanted all along.
Not getting results with a client and sayings lets call it a day. I get an email next day saying “you will not give up on me until I give up on myself and I have not given up on myself, I have made progress.” He became successful once we put it out there.

Do you find yourself, at the end of your tether and going places you’ve always want to and dare not for the perceived fear of the backlash? Only to find out it was exactly what you both needed all the time and neither one of you would go there.

I feel compelled to ask the question. Why did Jake Bailey change his speech (because he had nothing to lose!) and why didn’t he write that same gratitude speech if he hadn’t been told he didn’t have long to live? He had it in him! Why do we sometimes find our authentic heartfelt voice, when we have nothing to lose or feel we need to protect ourselves from perceived risk of loss?

Thanks for the inspiration Jake!

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/11/09/student-jake-bailey-speech-to-school-after-finding-out-hes-dying-of-cancer_n_8509168.html

“The ego invented the idea that protecting ourselves would help us thrive, however it only leads to (at best) survival. Thriving requires that you let yourself be seen." ~Jennifer Hough

Practice

Now it’s your time to get real and exercise your authentic voice. When you’re right on the edge and want to back off, remember what you’re giving up is the experience of feeling that feeling when it works! You know what I mean when I say you’ve felt it before in those moments of clarity and courage. You have it in you, we all do. Be bold! You're invited to connect with me here if you'd like more help.

Gael Bevan is an experienced, PCC- ICF Credentialed, Certified Leadership Coach. She specializes in strengthening communication with virtual and remote teams, building future leaders at every level, through shared understanding, a common language and skill development. She mastered the art of authentic conversation and is skillful when it comes to the powerful feedback that cultivates improvement and growth.