What lesson has a tree-hugging vegetarian from California choosing to live with her in-laws, two kids, husband, plus three dogs and a cat learned about finding career and life satisfaction?  The path is unexpected and imperfect – and that’s okay.  At a retreat with two of my other business partners, we came across an ancient Asian philosophy called Wabi-Sabi that so resonated with who we are, we ended one almost decade old business (a leadership development firm) and started back at the beginning with the exploration of a new venture (Wabi-Sabi at Work & Play Media Group). 

Wabi-Sabi values the imperfect and incomplete.  Whether it’s an old desk with a scratch where a child once spent time practicing his math tables and permanently etched his mark into the wood or a striking sea shell found on the beach, each item has distinction because of the “story”, experience and journey that it has taken.  So it is with us, especially when we are authentic to who we are and approach life not as a destination but as an exploration.  I’ve become a better mother, professional and person because I’m not trying to force fit myself into a cookie cutter mold of unrealistic expectations. 

Promoting a more ala natural way of being to both work and life is tricky.  I have had others refer to how I look at things as “The Zen of Gwen”, meaning that I accept the situation and find my way calmly through.  What they don’t know is that I happen to be a recovering control-freak who loves lists, order and things in their place.  Ironically, not much about my life right now fits that bill and I’ve had to be flexible more than ever before.  I have young children, I work too much on a variety of eclectic projects and I also have my in-laws living with me.  Before you gasp in horror, realize that I chose all of this and for the most part it works. 

I’m ready for real-world suggestions and feedback on how to maintain my Wabi-Sabi perspective while dealing with potty training ups, downs and all arounds, retirement funks, impending construction on my home and professional battles that come at me on the worst of days. 

Let the journey begin. - Gwen