Picture this: It’s several years ago, and I’m working with a speaking coach. They drop a truth bomb on me: When I step in front of an audience, I’m bringing everything with me from my past. WHAT?! I was horrified to think that when I show up as a trainer or speaker in front of an audience who is there to learn how to PLAY NICE in the workplace sandbox, I am bringing old baggage with me, and they can somehow tell that I have baggage! There it was —my suitcase full of old stories — weighing me down.

I’ve learned over the years as an expert in workplace relationships that everyone has a similar suitcase of their own stories and baggage. Since I recognize how the attachment to my past creates my future, I’ve been able to detach from it, find peace, and create something new. It’s a work in progress because old patterns die hard. I’ve also been able to help thousands of people do the same.

One of the stories that sticks out is from my high school days

My dad wanted me to pursue a career as a court reporter or secretary, but I had dreams of being a fashion model. Conflict! We ended up in Toronto, where I took a test for court reporting school. When the rejection letter came, my dad’s harsh words—“YOU’RE TOO STUPID TO GO TO COLLEGE!”—cut deep.

I was a fashion model in Toronto for about two weeks and eventually, I ended up as a secretary. Though, I couldn’t shake the belief that I wasn’t smart enough. It became a default setting, a story I unfortunately carried with me for thirty years. My unconscious story of “I’m not smart enough” hadn’t surfaced yet in my conscious mind, but it sure was navigating my future. I did well as a young adult, I started my own business, had a beautiful family, and maintained good relationships with my parents as I went through the stages of being both a parent and a professional, but once I became aware that my old story was lingering under the surface of a new level of success, I knew I needed a HOLY SHIFT.

Our stories don’t have to define us

We have the power to rewrite them, to create a narrative that empowers us and sets us free. For me, it took some serious inner work. I made a list of all the things I’m good at and acknowledged my accomplishments. Through our conversations in the spirit world, I forgave my dad and released the resentment I’d been holding onto for years. And you know what? It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Most importantly, I took the responsibility needed to make it right for me, and I shed the weight of that story from my suitcase, which has made room, space, and potential for better tools. The momentum from clearing this inspired me to clear more, and to dig, and to reap the benefits over and over again of resolving old conflicts to peace.

Sure, old stories die hard. But with a little self-reflection and a whole lot of courage, we can break free from the narratives that hold us back. It’s an ongoing process, but the rewards are worth it. So, what stories are you ready to let go of? And more importantly, what story are you ready to write for yourself? Let’s unpack together and rewrite our narratives for a brighter future. Because the stories we tell ourselves shape the lives we lead. Mastering our own emotions is an inside job, and an ongoing process that gets easier over time.

Book a discovery call today and let’s determine how to help you and your team unpack their stories to make space for the tools required optimize your workplace sandbox to succeed in today’s workplace.

With peace,

Penny

Learn the strategies that will help your team resolve conflict in the NEW workplace.

• Embrace, accept, and welcome conflicting values
• Understand the importance of collaborative relationships for career advancement
• Take responsibility to co-create a winning culture with productive and profitable results
• Empathize with coworkers and even competitors to be the leader others WANT to follow

Press Appearances:

• CEOWorld Magazine 
• Blue Heron Journal
• Mareo McCracken
• EverydayMBA, Host: Kevin Craine 
• Savvy Business
• Swimming in the Flood
• Get Down to Business
• HR.com Leadership Excellence
• Indian Management Magazine
• Crafting Solutions to Conflict
• Vantage Fit Podcast
• Stay tuned, more coming soon…