trustlife – Courtney Anne Wilson

Recently my life took a change in direction, and I realised the importance of acknowledging NOW and appreciating the journey.

In early 2012, I said YES to the invitation from Elizabeth Ellames and joined the group of women to participate in a 12-month social synergy venture and learn a new way of contributing and collaborating.

For as long as I can remember I wanted to team up with people to make a difference. My heart’s desire is to shine the light and pathway towards unity.

As a Change Coach and Consultant, I know that people have a vast array of diverse characteristics. If we embrace those differences, knowing each has a unique and equal part to play in the larger whole, we will start to move together as one and co-create a world that is connected, cooperative, adaptable and a win for everyone.

The Unite Your Light New Style Leadership Program showed me that unity starts within us, our family, our community and then the world. As part of the United Projects Initiative, I envisioned teaming up with Elizabeth to co-create Cohesive Leadership for Change – an experiential training program to equip and empower women to take action on their life purpose and contribute to social change. Together, we invited Cherie and Lisa to join the team, which led towards the incorporation of NOW Leadership Inc. in 2015.

For 3 years I’ve been inspired by being a member of the NOW team because we demonstrated the power of collaboration and had the opportunity to support innovation and new style and collaborative leaders. I was honoured to be able to contribute my expertise, practice nature-based principles and work alongside three spirited, purposeful and committed women; with a focus on bringing together corporate and community through Social Business and Enterprise.

With gratitude and respect for the time and energy towards contributing, learning and growing together, it’s now time to move on.

As I walk forward to focus on my role at Innodev, with a mantra to “Rethink Everything”, spend time writing a book, Cultivate Connection, and finding new ways to support aligned causes, I reflect on the last three to seven years.

It has been a journey with many twists and turns, and one that has expanded my experience, resolve and resilience. Not to mention, one of discovery and empowerment.

The abundant gifts shared along the way include…

Connecting with like-hearted women
Harnessing the value of diversity
Listening to intuition and inspiration
Discovering truth and trust
Feeling the magic of authenticity
Supporting the community
Raising awareness and funding social change
Turning competition into cooperation
Practicing creative collaboration

Thank you to all the women, and men, that were part of this journey and those that will continue to be.

A huge thank you to Elizabeth, Cherie and Lisa. I wish you every success as you move forward with NOW Leadership Inc., blessed with the power of three.

And to all the strong, creative, brave and powerful women who are looking for support in developing their leadership and creating new opportunities for the world, check out www.nowleadershipinc.com

With love and a grateful heart for NOW,

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

It has become quite obvious to me recently that I have lived most of my life in my head, most likely due to my analytical nature and conscientious mind; preplanning, organising and calculating what I “should” do next for the “best” outcome. I dwell on the past, worry about the future and fantasise about being on holiday. I get so caught up in the expectations of life, people and situations I have the tendency to seldom just go with the flow. My ‘monkey mind’ usually equates to being preoccupied with thinking I have to do something to make things happen and then when I do act, I’m left feeling guilty and full of regret. In business, and in my personal life, this tendency to jump from tree to tree can appear forced and controlled and contributes to high levels of indecisiveness, stress and anxiety, not just for me but for everyone involved.

Every now and then, however, I remember to relax and experience life; usually when I’m looking at something breathtaking, doing something that I really enjoy or experiencing a moment that touches my heart. It’s in these moments, I let go of thought, I feel alive, connected and my life becomes effortless. I allow life to unfold and act only when inspired to do so and when I do act I’m not attached to any specific outcome. Life becomes peaceful and uncomplicated.

So I ask myself, what can I do to balance the scales so my life is constantly in the flow, effortless and peaceful?

And the answer is simple; live in the moment by being mindful and connected.

I remember to observe my thoughts that come and go, without judgement, and at the same time have the courage to connect to everyone and everything that presents itself, especially the smaller things in life. Most importantly, I let go of all expectations and have faith. I offer life, people and every situation my full attention so that when I act, I trust it. Who knows, it may not turn out the way I expected but something else just might transpire instead.

I realise practice makes perfect; that every day is a new day and I’m gentle on myself. With each day, I start again and observe my thoughts, knowing that some days may be harder than others. I cultivate a connection with something I enjoy; walking along the beach, watching the sunrise or sunset, listening to music or dancing to a tune and then expand this to all experiences in life. When it comes to building relationships, both professionally and personally, I have the courage to look people in the eye and practice being present by allowing the situation to unfold without judgement or expectation. It can lead to extraordinary things or at the very least it lends itself to an authentic and stress free and peaceful experience.

I recognise that when I am mindful and connected, I trust life and life trusts me.

“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live”. Goethe

So take a deep breath, relax and start humming this song ….