I've gone back and forth and back and forth about 10 million times on getting this blog out. I want to talk collaboration. I mean that's what the Women's Movement Collaborative is all about, right?
I've struggled with how to start this blog off because I've seen so many different responses to the idea of collaboration, mostly super positive, but some, not so much.... and it surprises me a little. Then I just realize that's exactly why we are here doing what we're doing.
Last week I had a conversation that shocked me a little. You see lately, I've had many conversations with people that are excited to work together. They want to collaborate, they are in it for the greater good. These conversations fill me up.
Last week, I had a conversation where I thought someone would instantly want to work together and be excited about it, but it quickly went into a 'what can you do for me' conversation and gave off the 'I'm better than you vibe'. This person wasn't sure there was enough room for everyone in the arena.
(Now, just a quick note on the 'I'm better than you vibe', while no one likes to be given that vibe, it's one that I have grown to care less and less about and one that I've learned is really just about their insecurities than anything else.)
Anyways, that conversation threw me a bit. It brought up a few different things for me that need to be talked about....
1) Scarcity Mindset. This is that deep feeling that there is only so much out there for each person, and that if someone else has something seemingly bigger, there may not be enough for you. People with a Scarcity Mentality struggle to share recognition and power, and are usually not genuinely happy for the growth and success of others.
I'll be honest, I've 100% struggled with this one myself... much more so before than I do now, but even now, I hear those voices of doubt (really just fear and ego) pulling at me. The difference now though, is I know they are there and can choose how to respond.
Especially since being a part of the Women's Movement Collaborative I've learned to set aside the thoughts of competition and the need for a 'win' and have adopted the mentality of living a life of abundance. Knowing there is more than enough space for everyone to thrive. Being someone that helps others shine brighter. Finding room for everyone to come together.
Our group at the WMC is on a mission to let go of that idea of scarcity. We are on a mission to empower those around us by being a light and showing them their worth. We believe each individual is worthy of influence and a thriving life. Each and every person is enough.
So let me ask you, where do you find yourself? Are you living a life of abundance? A life that lifts others up around you? If not, here is a chance for you to change and be aware. How can you live more abundantly today?
2) Imposter Syndrome. This is kinda more of a phenomena in which an individual feels they are inadequate, even when they have absolutely no reason to feel this way. This pretty much stems from a lack of confidence.
Again, guilty of this one personally as well. Much more so in my past than now, as I have become able to recognize it happening and know that I can choose how I respond to these thoughts. I talk to others about it or simply choose to let go of the story that I have let play out in my head.
Now let me ask you this, do you find yourself shying away from compliments? Questioning your competence? Feeling inadequate to others around you? Feeling like you are just not enough? What stories are you telling yourself?
What if I told you that you are enough? That you are awesomely and wonderfully made and perfectly you. And what would it take for you to really believe it?
WANT IN?
I don't know about you, but I am seriously ready to stamp out scarcity mindset and imposter syndrome. I don't want to see us attack it, but to just become so bright that these things just can't outshine the light.
So what does the light look like? The light looks like collaboration. I mean, light attracts light, right? It looks like finding a supportive community that will speak positivity into your day to day life. It looks like a constant reminder that you are enough. It is seeing your own strength. It is exploring possibilities. It is the knowledge that you are loved. And it is the knowledge that you can radiate love. It is knowing you have a choice of who you will be each day and how you will respond to what comes at you.
The Women's Movement Collaborative is here to support and build strong women who will work together to grow a culture of movement and thinking outside the box. We believe that movement is an amazing path to self growth and self love. We believe that the more than one just moves, the better they feel. And the better one feels, the more positive they impact those around them.
So, what is collaboration? Collaboration is a group of people working jointly to create something. Collaboration means more love, and less hate. It means growing together, instead of growing over. It means there is a place for everyone to work together to create change in the way we think. It means we are strongest when we are together.
I don't know you, but I do know that I'd love to have you be a part of the Women's Movement Collaborative and I believe that the more people we can bring into this, the more light we can shine in the world. Hope to see you around at an event (Check out this one coming up in North Carolina Sept 29-30) , on social media (@womensmovementcollaborative) , or at one of our upcoming pop-up events (more info coming soon).