So, I talk a lot about transcending and transcendence. But recently, someone has been challenging me to define more clearly what that means. 😊 I’d like to dive a little deeper into that today.

To transcend literally mean “rising above”. But even more than that, it means to surpass the norms or exceed limitations. And that’s the part that’s really exciting! Because there’s something so exhilarating about pushing past limits that you thought you had. 

But let’s face it. Our culture, especially corporate culture, doesn’t encourage that. In fact, it’s often downright frowned upon. Society and organizations have expectations about how we look, how we act, what we think, and what we believe. We get messages – conscious and subconscious – that encourage us to follow the crowd, fit it, and not shine too brightly. And this is especially true for women.

The problem is all those “norms” often keep you from being your best, using all your skills and talents, or achieving what you really want to achieve. They can even keep you from knowing yourself, much less expressing the deepest, truest version of yourself. 

But it’s when you are living from your true self, your whole self, that you find the highest degree of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Okay … but what does THAT mean????

For me, it means living unapologetically in alignment with my inner values and daring to experience life with all my senses vibrant and dialed into the present moment. Living without falling prey to the status quo or worrying over acceptance, approval, or any kind of external judgment.

Does that sound like a fantasy? Maybe.

And there’s always that concern that people can do crazy, stupid things when they are living without worrying about external judgment, right? 

Here’s another truth. Freedom is not a free-for-all. Freedom comes with responsibility, and your primary responsibility is to yourself!

Ouch! That’s selfish. At least that’s what my mother always told me.

But think about it this way, we all have something beautiful and unique to offer the world. We are filled with talents and abilities and experiences that give us capabilities that no one else has. Yet, most of us rarely use even a fraction of our capabilities.

Why? Because most of the people around us – even while they encourage us – want us to stay the same, to stay “that person” that they are comfortable with.

Here’s the truth: When we pursue the deepest expression of ourselves, we find true fulfillment … and that creates a ripple effect that enhances our leadership and the lives of those around us.

Because when we are expressing our deepest selves and sharing all our gifts and talents, we’re serving others the best way we can. Now, that’s not selfish, is it? 

That’s why I am daring to transcend.

And I want that for you too. 

Here are some questions to help you get started on your journey to transcending:

1. What are your values? Your deepest, most authentic, truest values. Take some time to dig deep. It’s important.
2. Once you know your values, once you really own them, look at your life. Where in your life are you in conflict with one or more of those values?
3. What stories are you telling yourself about why it’s okay for that part of your life to be out of alignment with your values?

I’d love to hear what you come up with!

Because I want you to feel complete and whole in every action of every day and every moment because you have made the brave choice to embrace a path few are courageous enough to take. You’ve had the courage to pursue the deepest and most authentic expression of yourself and your gifts in this one, precious life. You’ve been willing to face the ups and downs, the good, bad, and ugly, the pain and the scary feelings. 

Because at the very end of your life, you want to be able to say that you have truly lived. Don’t you?

Want to learn more about taking the risks and daring to transcend? Check out my free training video on women and risk-taking.