Summer calls many of us to slow down, rest, and receive the gifts that this warm season provides. The phrase “work hard, play hard” comes to mind as I hear folks speak about how hard they’ve been working, how many hours they’ve put in, and that they haven’t been able to do anything else other than expel time and energy in work.

The personal development industry has frequently used these feelings of overwork with words that make us consider the ways that we are taking care of ourselves and work life balance. I have been reflecting and considering two of these words - “boundaries” and “self care” that seem to be prolific in our cultural framework.

I’m struggling with this journal entry. I usually come to the keyboard with a theme and framework and, with relative ease and editing from Katherine, (check out her website at www.katherineburrowscreative.com ) the journal entry unfolds in an authentic way.

This isn’t happening today. I am sitting in my privileged life, working remotely in a campground at the southern end of Bruce Peninsula. I was intending to write about leadership and dig deeper into the leadership domains, but Canada Day is just a couple of days away and I am struggling with focus.

Do you hear that voice inside of you calling you? The call to shift you and move toward your zone of genius. With every breath you take, you feel the pull to weave light into the world. Each step you’ve taken, in the pain and joy of your journey has had a purpose that brought you to this moment. All of these experiences define your unique perspective and beautiful lens which will be your zone of genius in being of loving service to the community.

Some of us are leaders by title. All of us are leaders in life.

Whether we have a job title that denotes leadership or not – we are all leaders. We lead in our career, our business, and our relationships. Every time we engage with another human, we are in a moment of deciding how we will lead -how we will show up in that conversation.