The Quiet Power of Showing Up

This Friday, my new book, "The Connection Challenge," officially arrives! And honestly, the timing feels incredibly right. Just today, I was talking with a client who expressed a feeling that many of us share: there's so much broken in the world, it feels impossible to fix it. We can't change the world, she sighed.

But I reminded her of a profound truth: while we might not be able to fix every global issue overnight, we absolutely can change ourselves. And here's the crucial part, we don't change through shame or blame. We change when we encounter something new, when our perspectives broaden in ways we hadn't anticipated.

I shared a personal story with her, one that profoundly shifted my own understanding. For years, I had been taught that same-sex relationships were sinful and unacceptable. It was a deeply ingrained belief. Then, over 20 years ago, a gay couple started coming to gatherings at our home with our friends. They didn't make an announcement; we simply observed and connected.

Over the months, as we spent time together, a remarkable realization dawned on me: they were just like my husband, Paul, and me. They loved each other deeply. They wanted a good life. They laughed, they shared stories, they navigated the everyday joys and challenges of a committed relationship.

They changed me, not by preaching or debating, but simply by showing up authentically as themselves. They extended love and friendship to us, even though they couldn't have known if we would reciprocate with acceptance. It was a true gift. In that quiet, unassuming presence, my heart opened. I realized my job wasn't to judge or to "fix" them. My job was simply to love them. 

That's it. And in doing so, I was the one who was changed.

This experience solidified a core belief for me: if we all started showing up in our lives, not announcing our beliefs, not declaring what we're for or against, but simply present, open, and ready to connect, that is what will truly change our world.

It's not about grand gestures or fiery pronouncements. It's about the quiet, consistent act of presence and genuine connection. It's about seeing the humanity in one another, beyond labels and preconceived notions.

"The Connection Challenge" explores this idea deeply, offering practical ways we can cultivate these vital connections in our lives. Because when we connect, truly connect, we open ourselves up to transformation. And when we change ourselves, we ripple out into the world, creating the very change we long to see.

Have fun connecting and opening up to new ideas.

xxoo,

Leigh