Reframing Indulgence

On the very day that I was leaving for Fiji of all places, two people I admire each wrote their blogs on the benefits of indulgences. Have a look here and here and see what you think.

A coach recently encouraged me to try “being more indulgent” on for size. Admittedly, I struggle with being able to embrace something that feels self-indulgent. I couldn’t have written those blog entries, and as I read them, I could feel myself torn between admiring and resisting their message. The privilege and potential for self-absorption make me uncomfortable.

Yet here I sit in Fiji, ready to commit to levelling up my practice by surrounding myself with inspiring people and ideas this week, courtesy of Thought Leaders Business School. I am learning to live into the idea that if I am not at my best, I can’t have the impact I want to have on the world — and for me that involves feeding my curiosity and my deep love for travel. And it often involves significant investment.

The irony is not lost on me. Perhaps it’s all in how we frame it. I would struggle to write about being “indulgent,” but the quote I read today by Irenaeus really resonated: “The glory of God is the human being fully alive.” I could write about that all day long.

What does it take for you to feel fully alive?

I also wonder if the same concept could be applied to our organizations or teams. When have you seen those collective settings sizzling with life?

In either case, I’d highly recommend doing more of it. We all win when you do.

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