For the last 3 months, the FLOW team has been on a values journey, delving into what values make us “FLOW” and what they look like in the form of behaviors.
We use stories to help depict our values and wanted to share Coach Shannon’s story on what it means in relation to our value *Let PASSION Shine.*
FLOW’s definition: Fulfill yourself and serve others by leading with your heart in all you do.
Coach Shannon’s Story
This story is about how fulfilling yourself can keep you going without burning out. When you are working towards something you love, that excites you, that leads you towards your purpose…there is endless energy.
For the last month or two, I have been waking up at ridiculous hours in the morning (between 2 am – 4 am). Not because I couldn’t sleep or set my alarm to get out of bed, but because I was excited about the things I was going to create/do that day. I could see how they were falling into alignment with my higher purpose and FLOW’s.
My Higher Purpose: “Use passion and happiness to inspire and motivate people to realize and achieve their potential.”
FLOW’s higher purpose (still work in progress): “Creating Happiness by sharing the Fundamentals of Learning to be One with the World. We start it in the water (by teaching breathing and body awareness to enhance comfort) or on land (by sharing/exemplifying our values).
I can see these two things in everything I do and it keeps me going on little rest, for long periods of time. AND…I LOVE every minute of it!! I’m not saying rest/sleep isn’t important, but if you love what you do, you will not burn out on what you are doing. It keeps you getting up in the morning.
Passion + Purpose
Passion keeps you going, but when you can tie Passion to Purpose…BOOM!
It’s like I have a new set of eyes, a clarity, and I see things from a different perspective. Whether it is re-organizing the way FLOW functions, writing down processes, creating fun emails, cleaning bathrooms, or figuring out better ways to teach the kids and teach us how to do it, it all ties back to the value in it for myself, my team and my community.
I used to get overwhelmed at the amount of stuff I had “to do.” I now have a map to guide me every step of the way. My purpose helps me connect the dots and figure out what I need to prioritize.
It really is an incredible feeling to feel like your chest is going to burst because you love what you do so much. It creates a sense of peace to know you are doing the right thing…for you. The cherry on top…it serves others too!