Brave Apple listens to the truth within her. Her decision is clear. She twists and turns until she pops free from her branch. – The Apple in the Orchard by Sonia Di Maulo
I’m Jocelyne. 😊 Here’s my story.
Beautiful children and family life.
Great friends.
Lots of endearing animals.
Brilliant studies.
Fulfilling career and volunteer work.
Great health.
Then… at 68, after retirement, I realized that I was no longer master of my universe. I could not go back in time, and yet I was unable to move forward.
I felt stuck in a reality that was not my own.
So I joined the Take the Leap! Program hoping to gain clarity.
During the weeks in the program when we explore our 4Ps (Principles, Powers, Passions and Purpose), I discovered my (super)Powers, which was exciting: passion for learning, perseverance, gratitude, love and humility (VIA Institute on Character).
Yet, I struggled to write my guiding principles. This task seemed unsurmountable for some reason.
A few more weeks went by and I felt very discouraged because although I tried, I just could not make sense of things. Part of taking the leap includes sharing with others… so I discussed my emotions and obstacles with my wonderful daughter, and with my dear fellow podsters and peer mentor during our weekly meetings.
I felt connected to people who listened to me without judgment, and who understood what I was going through. I also came upon a quote that deeply resonated with us all:
The garden door opens the moment we see the ways we are caught inside. Seeing ourselves clearly, unadorned, is the beginning of freedom. – Jack Kornfield.
At that point, I realized that unless I dug very deep within myself (like, really scary deep), I would stay stuck forever.
As the program advanced and although I was tempted to close that garden door (several times)… I persevered. I finally recognized the masks I wear and in which circumstances (Carol Osborn):
the strong person (cannot show vulnerability);
the overachiever (because it was always expected);
the mother hen (and control freak);
the people pleaser (who needs approval);
and the person who is never good enough (self-judgment).
I experienced a profound shift in perspective, and decided to let go of the illusion of who I thought I was.
Brave Jocelyne finally emerged, and was able to listen to the truth within herself.
Jocelyne's Top 10 Guiding Principles
Appreciate each precious moment.
Be genuine and don’t pretend.
Keep it simple.
Get it done… and do it well.
Be present and really listen.
Be kind to yourself and to others.
All is possible: one door closes, another opens.
Everything passes (“Tout sèche”… as my father, who lived to 100, wisely said).
Ask: “What does this have to do with the agenda of my soul?” – Neale Donald Walsh
Remember: “You’re not a wave. You’re part of the ocean”. – Morrie Schwartz
Jocelyne's Living Legacy: Time to Soar
I am fully alive in the present moment and I honor this new chapter of my journey. I cultivate awareness and lead a heart-centered life, contributing every day in small meaningful ways, through my thoughts and actions. I show up, face situations, learn from my experiences and keep going. I do things for the right reasons, and never to impress others. I live in gratitude for my many talents and I use them to pay it forward.
Thank you for sharing your story to offer guidance and hope.
Sonia grounds emerging leaders and businesses in purpose and prosperity through her award-winning book and programs. She is Chief Reinvention Officer of Harvest Performance and co-founder of Reinvention Canada.
In addition to her 22+ years of experience as a Performance Improvement Consultant, she uses her Certified Reinvention Practitioner badge-of-honour to help even more emerging leaders ground themselves in today while planning a prosperous tomorrow.
She focuses her thoughts, words and actions to activate her living legacy: inspire 100,000 emerging leaders to discover, create, embrace, and breathe life into their living legacies by 2025.
Sonia is an award-winning author of the Ken Blanchard endorsed book, The Apple in the Orchard: a story about finding the courage to emerge, and the Take the Leap! Make an Impact Program which received the 2020 Award of Excellence (AOE) for Outstanding Human Performance Intervention.
She is a proud mom of two teenage sons, enjoys family time, watching science fiction movies, and listening to and being inspired by Queen’s music and legacy.
Read more about her at www.soniadimaulo.com.
Why we work determines how well we work.
Let’s talk about how we can align you and your team in purpose and prosperity.