4 minute read
LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS
WITH GAIL LOWNEY ALOFSIN
YOUR OWN PERSONAL GOLD: HOW KINTSUGI TEACHES US TO EMBRACE OUR IMPERFECTIONS
-GLA
You become the story you choose to tell. Your story, guided by your choices, influences your journey to success on your terms. Your story begins with the conversations you have with yourself, the people you spend time with and the situations you choose or attract.
When most people are faced with a positive or negative thought, they lean towards the negative. Think about your report card or annual performance review. The grade and comments are outstanding except for one. Hmmm…a score of “fair” or “needs improvement?” Our brain tends to focus on the “bad.” Appreciate what you can improve and celebrate your wins. Avoid negativity bias at all costs.
The word “kintsugi” is translated as “golden journey.” The longer version “kintsukuroi” means “golden repair.” Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with resin, gold, and other precious metals. As the pottery is restored, the beauty of the piece is enhanced by this technique.
Kintsugi has been referenced as a metaphor for finding beauty in imperfection and embracing our flaws. Our “flawed” experiences can be transformed into something beautiful and valuable. Embracing our imperfections can lead to personal growth, resilience, and serve to inspire others. Our cracks create an interesting life, our own personal story. Embracing our imperfections, we can use the wisdom garnered from our experiences to LIVE our own masterpiece.
When we experience moments of disappointment and disillusion, it is natural to feel deflated, flawed and broken. Let’s explore a few lives that were originally “unsuccessful.”
As a child, Albert Einstein struggled in school to the point of being expelled for his defiant nature. Facing a great deal of rejection while exploring work as a scientist, he continued to hone and believe in his theories, eventually becoming one of the most respected scientists in history.
He missed 9000 shots. He lost 300 games. Cut from his high school basketball team, this icon could not be stopped. He worked hard on his skills and his success led him to become one of the most iconic basketball players in history. You know who this is! “His Airness” - Michael Jordan!
Many people, including me, admire and appreciate Oprah Winfrey. Her personal journey included growing up in poverty and discrimination. Oprah’s resilience and refusal to be defined by her circumstances paved her path to become one of the most influential women in the world. The lives she has impacted with her positive and motivating wisdom are immeasurable.
Embracing our imperfections leads to personal growth and inspires others. Our “brokenness” becomes our own personal gold. By embracing our imperfections, they are transformed into sources of strength. We learn to appreciate the beauty of our flaws.
Think about how you respond to challenges. Perhaps try mending the broken vase or the bowl before disposing of it. Rewrite your story focused on strength and successes. Do more of what makes you feel great and surround yourself with people you enjoy spending time with. “Bless and release” the negativity in your life starting with the way you talk to yourself.
Your story? Live one that inspires you to be your best self –cracks and all! Find your own Personal Gold!
Gail Lowney Alofsin is the Director of Corporate Partnership & Community Relations for the Newport International Boat Show, a division of Newport Restaurant Group. An adjunct professor at the University of RI, Salve Regina University, Western Connecticut State University, author, speaker and volunteer, Gail lives in Newport, Rhode Island. Gail can be reached: gail@gailspeaks.com or 401-640-4418. For more information: gailspeaks.com or gailalofsin.com
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