Select Page

Reciprocity. 

As I find myself replaying a recent talk over and over in my head, I am confronted with a cascade of questions. Am I practicing the wisdom I shared with the group in my own life? Are my rocks reciprocal, and do they make sense for me at this juncture? What is sustainable for me, and am I clinging to rocks that I should release? The resounding question lingers – how does one discern when to give up or redirect?

The setting shifts to a family game night, a seemingly innocuous event that triggers profound contemplation. On my turn, I am prompted to write down something I excel at, something unique. Without hesitation, the word ‘quitting’ emerges in my mind and stays. I can think of nothing else. It’s a revelation, uncomfortable yet undeniably true.

This admission, a reflection of my recent life choices, echoes the truth. I recently left my day job to embark on our entrepreneurial ventures, a decision consistent with my history of leaving jobs to pursue new curiosities. Failures, more numerous than fingers, haven’t deterred my resilient spirit from attempting new endeavors. While I still engage in a side hustle helping a friend clean, my focus is now wholeheartedly on our ventures. The risk-taker in me adapts and moves forward, but now faced with an organization and someone’s legacy at stake, fear and discomfort set in.

An organization I volunteer for presents a metaphorical rock, which I have quit several times only to pick up again. Doubts about my place in this entity swirl in my mind. The experience is challenging and uncomfortable, prompting an honest and necessary self-reflection. As I grapple with the weight of this boulder, my mind shifts to a recent talk I deliver at a Greater Grant County event.

Life often demands introspection and sharing insights. The diverse trajectory of my 42-year existence, marked by various jobs and businesses, serves as a backdrop to my journey. From The Front Row to Precision Pen, Social Media Plus, Works Cited, and Best Words Forward, Downtown Discoveries, my professional landscape has been both enriching, unorthodox, and challenging.

Yet, the true hurdle lies not in the businesses themselves but in my mindset. Commitment and self-love are skills I had yet to master. The turning point comes with the introduction of the concept of rocks by Dawn Brown at the Community Foundation of Grant County. These rocks symbolize the significant facets of my life, both professional AND personal.

While the concept finds a place in my professional life, it is a revelation that has yet to permeate for me personally. Imagine listing the big rocks of your life, those elements that truly matter. Your success doesn’t hinge on impeccable timing or a revolutionary idea. The concept hinges on you being in the right space to commit and, most importantly, allowing yourself to focus on what matters most.

The newfound clarity propels me to meticulously sort through my rocks. My community service rocks – the Marion Arts Commission, Greater Grant County Ambassador, and the Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society – allow me to give back in ways that resonate deeply with my life. D.Tappan, a rock set encompassing Tappan That Sound, RoLo Shop, and The Open Field, emerges as my family venture rock set, providing a solid foundation for my husband Roger and me.

Most importantly, the LT self-rock becomes the cornerstone, emphasizing the importance of self-care. Together, these rocks form my rock circle, a space where reciprocity is key, enhancing the overall balance. Achieving a perfect daily balance remains an unrealistic expectation, but aligning my rocks with my passions becomes essential. Some days work takes precedence while others life dominates. As Dawn wisely states, balance is achieved over time, not necessarily every single day.

 Change, an inevitable part of life, is always looming on the horizon. Quoting Brene Brown, “we are all doing the best we can with the resources that we have,” serves as a constant reminder that I’m not alone in these decisions. The Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society embarks on navigating the intricacies of our financial situation, displaying a cautious approach to avoid premature resource depletion. The potential gift of 314 S Washington St. remains under consideration, prompting focused discussions, hard conversations, and thorough research. Strategic and carefully considered moves are paramount.

In the face of such changes, my talk aims to inspire others to love themselves, practice honesty, and stay focused on their rocks. However, it also serves as a reminder for me to ensure I am doing the same. Life remains a continuous journey, and the universal challenge lies in mastering the skill of recognizing when to embrace change.

Remember, it’s okay to hit reset and keep moving forward. As I continue to replay that recent talk in my mind, I find solace in the thought that this introspective process, though challenging and uncomfortable, prompts an essential dialogue with oneself. I invite you to ponder your own journey.