To live boldly we must seek out the spaces, places, and people that provide us with solace and a refuge in life’s inevitable storms.
“Solace” – Comfort or consolation in a time of sadness.
I’ve been thinking about this beautiful and poignant word a lot recently. It is an underutilized but meaningful and enduring concept as we ride the waves of life.
One thing I know for sure is that sadness is inevitable in a life where you feel deeply, live boldly, and love intensely. Sadness is part of a rich and meaningful existence on this earth. Light and dark, highs and lows, ebbs and flows, peaks and valleys…. are all part of this beautifully complex journey.
But … what if we thought more intentionally about the spaces, places, and people that give us solace in difficult times?
Read on for this month’s roundup.
Wishing you December where you seek the people and places that feel like sunshine.
One Insight
"The pain doesn't always get smaller.
We just get better at carrying it."
One Update
Financial Times – Women At The Top
On Nov. 14th I spoke at the Financial Times in New York and shared a vulnerable story regarding my own struggles and how I navigated difficult times. The response has been overwhelming and it has served as an important reminder that sharing challenges, failures, and trials can build a sense of shared humanity and a sense of community. How can you inspire others and build connectivity by sharing vulnerably?
One Share
Last May, I heard Arthur C. Brooks speak during my Board meetings at Harvard. Brooks is a professor and PhD social scientist who specializes in using science and philosophy to provide people with actionable strategies to live their best lives. I highly recommend his column in The Atlantic: How To Build A Life. Check out his article To Get Out Of Your Head, Get Out of Your House – Spending time in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety.
One Tool, Technique or Tactic To Try
Choose to seek solace. During challenging times, the human tendency can be to ignore our emotions by finding distractions. However, busyness has never been an effective antidote for emotional strife. A more effective route is to recognize that our emotions (even the seemingly negative ones) are an integral part of a rich and meaningful human existence and to seek solace rather than distraction
One Question
Ask yourself:
What are the spaces and places where I can seek solace?
How can I intentionally seek these out as I deal with the inevitable ebbs and flows of building a bold and brilliant life?
Let’s go live boldly!
On The Power of Problem Solving 
