The Flourishing Note™

Hi Reader,

It has been a few weeks since my last note, and I am glad to be back in your inbox.

Last week on the blog, I wrote about three days I spent at Wingspread in August, and an intention I set there that surprised me. I am not an outside girl. I do not like bugs. And yet, standing in the closing circle, I heard myself say that I wanted to spend more time in nature.

The fuller story is in Rest Is Part of the Work, including a hike I never imagined taking. What I want to add here is something the post only touched on.

Inspired in Practice

The convening was designed to be spacious. There was a kickoff dinner and a closing circle, and in between was time that was meant to be whatever we needed it to be. Nobody told us what to do with it.

That sounds like a gift, and it was. It also asked a question most of us are rarely asked: what do you need?

When your calendar is full, the calendar decides for you. Open time hands the decision back. If you have spent months responding to everyone else's requests, you may not have an answer ready. The space can go unused, or fill itself with email and errands, because deciding what you need is harder than doing whatever is next.

My answer that weekend was simple. I needed to be with people, and I needed to be outside. Everything I wrote about in the post grew from that one honest answer.

Here is what that taught me. We tend to think rest is waiting on room. Clear the calendar and rest will follow. But room alone does not restore us. Knowing what we need does.

Reflections

Look at the next open space on your calendar, even if it is only an hour. Before it arrives, ask what would restore you, not what would get you caught up. Quiet. People. Movement. Fresh air. Then give the time to that one thing.

When you are given open time this week, what do you need it to be?

This Month's Focus

This issue I want to put my summit masterclass in front of you.

This October, I'm a Featured Speaker at the Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women Summit. It's five days, fully virtual, October 19 to 23.

My masterclass is called Own What You're Building: The Work That Holds It Up.

Here's why I created it. In almost every room I facilitate, I meet the same woman. Capable. Committed. Carrying a lot. She's been building something for years, and she keeps waiting to feel ready before she trusts it.

This session is for her. We'll name the three parts holding up everything you're building: your mindset, your boundaries, and your self-trust. And I'll show you how to see what's already there, even on the days it doesn't feel that way.

My masterclass goes live at 8am Eastern (7am Central) on Monday, October 19, the first day of the summit.

Through me, you can receive complimentary access, valued at $97. It includes replays, so you can watch on your own schedule. When you register, enter Jennifer McClain where the form asks which speaker invited you.

You can claim your access here.

I'd love to see you there.

With you on the journey,

Jennifer

Keep flourishing fiercely.