Holding On and Letting Go — What's Up for You?

By day, I'm a leadership and organization development consultant. Outside of that role, I'm an interfaith minister. In both roles, I help people feel a greater sense of connectedness to themselves and the world around them, and find greater purpose and meaning in their work and life. In both roles, I support people through key milestones with rituals and celebrations. And in both roles, I support people in navigating change — embracing what is good and desired (even when it's challenging), and letting go of what no longer serves them, or grieving what they've lost.

This week, I had occasion to do both, in very different contexts.

First, I facilitated an intensive retreat with over four dozen leaders. The theme: "Igniting the Fire Within: Honoring the Past and Innovating for the Future." Like many of my clients, this organization is growing in unpredictable, uncertain times, with real work to do — individually and collectively — to stay current and meet the needs of the people they serve. I won't show photos of the working session or the space; all my work is confidential. But the theme is worth sharing, because it's one I see again and again. The secret sauce is always in the details — who my clients are, their unique value to the people they serve, and the industries they work in.

So, what IS the photo of? A gorgeous lake, with lakefront views from our session. I woke early, hoping for a swim — pool or lake, either would do. Neither opened until 8 am. What's a working facilitator to do? The front desk suggested the lake, with a warning to steer clear of the police. "Will I get arrested?" I asked. "No, probably not. He'll just tell you to stop." I walked ten minutes to the wharf, where a sign informed me of a $250 fine for swimming. I turned around. "Bad advice," I told the front desk. "I'm not paying that much for a swim."

So, I admired the lake from afar all day, while we worked the leaders hard — brainstorming, mixing and mingling through shifting group configurations. By the end of the day, the client said the session had already exceeded expectations. A great close... except I still wanted that swim.

I made it to the pool before team dinner, twelve laps into a much-needed, restorative swim — and then this: the sky I'm sharing with you above. Thunder and lightning rolling in, and I had to get out. We never really know what life has in store for us, do we? I had to let the pool go, and roll with the thunder.

I came home a day later, full from having given my client what they needed — but still had a sermon to finish for a couple of days later. The title? "Holding on and Letting Go." Exactly what I'd just walked my corporate client through. Now I needed words of inspiration for my congregation. I'll let you decide if any of this resonates with you — take a listen if you're curious.

I'm grateful for the chance to serve in such different capacities, and to keep learning, in both, what it means to hold on and what it means to let go.

Where does this show up for you right now? What are you holding onto, and what might be ready to release?

I have a few open slots for executive coaching, and one opening for a team offsite this fall — reach out if you'd like to talk it through.

And, still available, through the end of August, you can take the A Fuller Cup™ self-assessment with a complimentary 20-minute consultation, no cost, no obligation.

Suze Shaner-Brodax integrates corporate leadership, executive coaching, and contemplative practice to help senior leaders move beyond barriers, act with clarity, and lead with purpose and impact. www.sagelead.com.