The importance of connection and community
In July, I had the privilege of visiting Colorado with the Transformational Leadership Council - this is a group that was established 20 years ago by Jack Canfield, who you might know from either "The Success Principles" or the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Jack Canfield founded the Council to create a space where transformational leaders from around the world could come together to learn, grow, and support each other.
Back in the summer of 2023 I was honoured to be invited as a speaker, at the time I genuinely wondered why they were inviting me to speak and what value I could bring to the group? However, I had a fantastic time, and the session was well-received, leading to an invitation to join the council as a member (there is a news story on that and you can read it here if you like). Now, twice a year, I get to meet with transformational leaders from around the world.
While I come from the corporate world, the group includes best-selling self-help authors like Ken Honda and Academy Award-winning film producers like Barnet Bain. This unique blend of backgrounds brings together people from a wide range of sectors and industries, each contributing their unique experiences and perspectives.
It's such a powerful, positive, supportive and loving community of people that I feel instantly at home, despite having the occasional bout of imposter syndrome. I find that as soon as I start to connect with people, I instantly feel more comfortable. It's such a gift to be around people who share similar missions and purposes, allowing us to support, challenge and collaborate with one another.
My intention for the trip in July of this year was to rest and recharge, and Vail, Colorado, proved to be the perfect place for that. Everyone assured me it would be a serene and picturesque retreat - and they were right! The peace, tranquillity, and connection with nature, along with the soothing sounds of the river each morning, truly recharged my batteries. If I’m completely honest, I didn't realise how stressed I had been in the first half of the year until I arrived and could finally exhale.
We all need places and people that allow us to recharge. These restorative moments can be grand, like a trip to Colorado, or something simple, like having coffee with a friend. Some of my most cherished memories from the trip were one-to-one conversations with others, where the rest of the world seemed to fade away. This can be achieved anywhere and those small, magical moments of connection are just as crucial as the big ones.
I recognise that opportunities like this are not available to everyone and acknowledge my privilege in experiencing them. My mission has always been to take what I learn from these experiences and make them accessible to you. Whether through small ways like this blog, or larger initiatives like the Firefly Online Learning Library launching in September, I aim to make them available to you when you need them.
Ultimately, I want to remind you of the importance of connection and community. Some of us will have been fortunate enough to jet off with family and friends over the summer, while others will be gathering together in parks and coffee shops.
Before we get fully caught up in the whirlwind of work and school, try and carve out time to spend with the people who restore and re-energise you. You may not have a large community, and it might be just a couple of close friends, but what truly matters is having that support system around you, no matter how big or small. Maybe call a loved one up and meet them for a coffee, or take a walk somewhere in nature.
Remember, these moments of connection with others are not a luxury, they’re necessary to keep you feeling balanced.
