We did it.
I just facilitated two back-to-back, full three-day Courage is Built Here™ trainings at Monarch Meadows Retreat. Six days. Two rooms full of leaders. One very unlucky spider.
Let me start with the gratitude, because there is a lot of it.
We have worked so hard to get Monarch Meadows ready for these two events. Most especially Chad Froelker. I am so proud of us.
The amount of healing I have worked for and received (thank you, God) is nothing short of miraculous. I am so tired. All things considered, I feel the best I have ever felt after a training, let alone two in a row. I am so proud of myself. And so thankful.
The open cohort
We laughed quite a bit. There were also some tears. We learned so much from one another. We changed ourselves and each other.
The room was filled with people who were all in from the beginning, even the ones who were nervous and a bit scared of what three days would hold. I am not sure I have ever had a group more excited and determined to tell the world about their experience and about Monarch Meadows. It was almost as if they could see and feel what I see and feel. The yearning and overwhelming need for this work to reach more people. And for the restorative sanctuary that is Monarch Meadows to hold them as they do that work.
I also had a first.
As I was facilitating and talking with a participant in front of the room, a tiny spider lowered right in front of me on its string of silk. I very discreetly grabbed it and moved it aside, all while keeping decent eye contact and staying in the conversation. Then I squished it. There was no other option. I think I was too shocked it was actually happening to do what I always do: move it back outside.
Was that little spider’s life in the back of my head for a while? Yep.
Only at Monarch Meadows. It made for one of the best laughs later in the day, because only a few people noticed it in real time.
I’m changed after this cohort. So is the work.
Commerce Bank ALDP
Then I got to do it all over again.
I am honored to work with the ALDP leaders of Commerce Bank year after year. I know how risky it can feel to keep a program like mine, and how hard we sometimes have to fight for it. I am having those conversations with almost every organization right now. And every single year, this program makes it happen. Because of that decision, I get to work with some of the kindest and best leaders I’ve met through this work.
Thank you for three incredible days of meaningful, culture-changing conversations, the laughs, and the connection. And thank you, Gretchen Pettet, for all your hard work and your willingness to walk out this work with me.
Beyond grateful
Two cohorts. Two rooms full of courage. One tired, healed, deeply grateful facilitator.
I am beyond grateful.