It feels like we are in a collective hangover right now as we unlearn toxic ways of viewing difficult emotions, life experiences, and just being human.

And the commitment to understand those unpleasant feelings or aspects of ourselves isn’t any less daunting. It’s hard work to discover why we can’t set and maintain boundaries or deepen the courage to speak up when the stakes are high.

But our capacity for discomfort creates our capacity to lead with courage.

Our ability to work with our emotions helps us achieve the changes we desire inside us and around us. 

Working with our emotions–doing inner work– involves an intention to better understand why we do and feel and respond the way we do. 

When we do inner work, we take responsibility for our own needs, our pain, our difficult life experiences. We listen to our discomfort and get curious about what we need instead of exiling the parts of us that need our support.  

Sure, this kind of awareness without action fosters more individualism. But when we deepen our awareness of what happens internally, it can also deepen our impact in the world around us. 

And when we lead with more courage, compassion, and confidence, that has a much needed ripple effect outside of us.

My guest today lives this practice in a deeply human and accessible way that encourages and inspires.

Nicole “Ziza” Bauer is a content editor at Magnolia. Previously, she worked as the Online Managing Editor for DARLING, as well as a freelance writer in food and travel.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How Ziza let go of external opinions and the perception of what it means to be an adult to listen to her intuition and pursue her passion
• How she uses social media as a tool for connecting and the guardrails and boundaries she has put in place around social
• Why business leaders and content creators need inner work to develop the capacity to respond to social and cultural moments with courage and integrity
• How an unexpected and disappointing job loss allowed Ziza to step into new professional growth

Learn more about Nicole Ziza Bauer:

• NicoleZizaBauer.com
• Instagram: @zizavita

Learn more about Rebecca:

• rebeccaching.com
• Work With Rebecca
• Sign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader Email

Resources:

• Joan Didion
• Richard Rohr
• Mary Oliver
• Max Richter Recomposed: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons
• My Brilliant Friend
• When Harry Met Sally...