It’s dark outside, and I hear a strange howling sound.
I walk in fear into my parent’s room and see my father, the person who gives me my sense of security, curled up on the floor with the phone in his hand and crying a sound I have never heard before.
I knew something terrible had happened!
My father’s brother had been killed in a car accident. It was the police on the phone to inform him of my uncle’s death.
I felt like the ground was caving in under me.
At that very moment, I understood that life was not secure. I realized that at any time, everything could turn upside down.
This terrible moment was a huge turning point in my life. I decided that I was going to be great, that I would be the best, I would work hard and succeed. I thought this would give me security.
Then I became very busy being the best! I advanced up the leadership ladder.
I felt proud of my achievements – I felt like a Superwoman.
And Then the House of Cards Started to Fall Down
After our second child was born, I started to feel the price I was paying for my choices. I was using up so much energy trying to control everything.
I worked long hours and had little time for my children. I tried to manage my kids like I managed my career.
A turning point came when I was on holiday in South Africa with my family. I went from being super busy to being completely free. I was relaxed. I enjoyed the time with my family. My brother invited me to sit and meditate with him. I sat every day in meditation.
And then the holiday finished.
I returned home to my usual routine and quickly forgot the feeling of freedom I experienced when on vacation. The idea of practicing mindfulness seemed absurd. Who has the time to sit in meditation?
The pressure returned. I was impatient and frustrated and felt guilt and anger. I knew I needed to make a change. I decided to try to integrate mindfulness meditation into my day.
I started with 5 minutes in the morning before work. Only 5 minutes. It was tough.
It was hard initially to sit still and meditate, but I persevered and started seeing changes in my life.
Fast Forward to 2023
Mindfulness has helped me to realize that I cannot control my life. Not my thoughts and not my feelings and not my sensations.
I can control how I respond.
I don’t expect myself to be someone different – I am still very results-oriented. My mind still wanders. And I still get angry. Only I don’t have to go on vacation and travel thousands of miles across the sea to be at peace. Today, I integrate mindfulness practice into my day, at home and at work.
I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my experience and expertise to hundreds of global business and organizational leaders.
Mindfulness is not just meditation, as you may know it.
Mindfulness is your leadership presence and how you show up from moment to moment.
It’s your intention and how you choose to be impactful.
Mindfulness positively influences the relationship you have with yourself and with others. It’s the best form of growing self-awareness that I know.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey to mindfulness. I’m ready to journey with you.
Contact me today, and let’s talk about your challenges and how we can work together.
A song I am sharing
“I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin
As part of my mindful morning, I say, “Modeh Ani.” I thank God for returning my soul and for being able to live this day. This song is perhaps also about the prayers we make for others.
Be Inspired by Nature
On my phone, I have a rotating slideshow of photos of nature. This picture was taken on 23 September 2023. Two weeks before the war broke out here. I went to the beach with our 14-year-old to watch the sunset.
This is our thing.
Anytime you can be in nature, go! Even if it’s for a few minutes.
Nature is healing. When immersed in nature, you experience awe, one of the positive emotions researched by Professor Barbara Fredrickson.
My Year In Review
It’s been a hectic year, and I am so grateful for you.
These last few months have been especially tough.
My mindfulness practice has been the key to grounding me and supporting me to be happy and calmer than what would seem possible.
Because Mindfulness has made such a difference in my life, I continue to see how I can help people by explaining how simple it can be when you practice it daily.
We co-create in my coaching meetings with managers in over thirty countries.
We experiment and practice mindfulness to guide managers in reaching their business goals and growing personally and professionally.
I get excited each time because the coaching is transformational.
When a client tells me: “Before, I would be panicked when triggered, and now I am calm when my direct report calls to say something has gone wrong because I consciously pause and know we will handle this.”
This year, I began speaking on podcasts. Here is one of my favorites.
I’ll soon be launching my 2024 masterclass and live immersion schedule. I’m curious to hear what you would like to learn next year. Send a reply or reach out to me on LinkedIn.
End-of-Year Mindfulness Reflection
What were the highs and lows you faced this year?
What did you learn about yourself?
How did you use your superpower in 2023? If you don’t know, hop on a call with me.
When was your superpower your weakness?
Being conscious of what you are brilliant at, your superpower, and how this can support you in your highs and lows gives you the potential to access this more. Then, understanding how and when your superpower turns into your weakness helps you to manage yourself and others more strategically.
Hit reply and share how you used your superpower in 2023.
I wish you happy holidays!
Sam
Samantha Amit – Leadership Coach and Mindfulness Practitioner
Samantha helps managers be more present, more confident and to focus on what and who is important, to excel and thrive at work and life.
Inspiring managers to grow and together make a global impact.
Transforming people and companies for the future.
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