Wholehearted? What does that mean?
I have procrastinated over writing this post for so long, because wholehearted probably means something different to everyone.
And I know what wholehearted means to me in my head and my heart, but less so in words. But since words are pretty key to a blog post, I shall try and explain!
This is what “wholehearted” means to me:
Authenticity - Accepting your perfectly imperfect self exactly as you are
Good intentions - Aiming to have a positive impact on other humans and the planet
Trust - Listening to your gut and following your heart, even when the noise points to something else
Compassion - Giving yourself the love and care you need, rather than looking for it from others
If I think back, Brene is probably where this term began to ruminate. In Brene Brown’s book, “The Gifts of Imperfection” she delves into the 10 guideposts for wholehearted living.
I can’t remember when I read this - but most likely in the last 11 years since becoming a mum to my daughter Olive, and then Jimmy 20 months later. In this time, I think I have been slowly and painfully unpacking all the junk in my closet, basement, under the rug - you name it (there was a lot!). So I am pretty familiar with the Brene & co section at the bookstore.
But this book definitely hit more of a nerve than others. I felt so inspired and felt like she was writing that book for me. Brene says, “Wholeheartedness is like a North Star. You can never get there. But you know when you’re heading the right way.” And it definitely felt like the right direction for me.
This illustration, from Brene’s website, sums it up nicely I think. I resonated hard with every one of these guideposts.
Source here (you can download for yourself from here)
So what has all this wholehearted stuff got to do with business & branding then?
Well, when I started my biz about 5 years ago, I was pretty insecure & unsure of myself - in all areas of my life. I had lost my sense of self a bit, as well as my confidence, after becoming a mum - like many do.
Imposter syndrome was well & truly alive. I cared a lot about what people thought of me. I compared myself to other people & other graphic designers. I was living in fear of a million things. I was anxious, and full of self doubt.
I had zilch self compassion, and did not think I was deserving of rest or self-love. But I also liked to pretend that I was in control, and had it all figured out. Even writing all of this gives me a lump in my throat, because I also knew all of this was not right.
In the last 5 years I have learnt so much about myself, and about business. Do not think for a second that I have it figured out, because I definitely do not, and will always be a work in progress. But I have come a long, long, LONG way.
But I also went backwards at times. Like when I took the advice of others that didn’t feel right in my gut, but I did it anyway. Or when I saw what other designers were doing and thought I should be doing that, so tried to copy it. Backwards. Or when I didn’t back myself, and instead made myself small, because I listened to my self talk that said I wasn’t “enough”.
But when I started listening to my gut, and showed up authentically - I made so much progress. When I created myself some boundaries and stopped caring what others thought of me - progress. When I made decisions from a place of love and passion for what I do, rather than fear & scarcity - progress.
I have a lot more to say on this, because I feel so passionate about this. But the thing I love about trying to live a wholehearted life, is that it can have a ripple effect on all those around you.
The same goes for your business and your brand. You have the ability to create a ripple effect in the business world too - not to mention making your audience feel seen, heard and connected, just by showing up as the authentic, vulnerable wholehearted human you are.
I would love to know, what you think of, when you hear the word Wholehearted?
