From the Archives (2016): The Corporate Vortex, We're Not in Sedona Anymore

I recently went back to Corporate America. No, I'm not giving up my writing (obviously), but it was time to move forward with a new experience. 

Over the past five years, I've immersed myself in teaching, writing, and speaking about creating a workplace where people are energized, feel good, and are happy. And how to create a work-life that people love. Through my books and writings, I've gained a reputation as the "energy girl" who pushes the envelope with discussion topics like spirituality, meditation, and mindfulness at work. Now it's time to live it–an author is only as good as the sum of their experiences. 

Since jumping back into the corporate vortex (that is undoubtedly not Sedona, AZ), here's what I've learned. "Living it" is fucking hard! You can read, write, and practice mindfulness techniques from sunrise to sunset, but living it is far from easy at the end of the day. 

I have found myself becoming my own worst client–unexplained depression, exhaustion, no time for self, and a spinning mind that replays people's perceptions of me and my performance. I don't tell anyone this–it's my little secret. On the outside, I look like a professional, confident woman people look up to. How little they know. Oh, and I automatically gained 10 lbs! How did that happen? Yep, cafeteria food, long hours at my desk, no time to workout, and lack of sleep. Hell, I'm living the American dream! 

Last week, I had a "come to Jesus, come to Buddha moment." A friend of mine so generously held up a mirror and said, "Wake the fuck up!" Okay, he was a bit more polished than that, but I heard, "Wake the fuck up!". Simply put, he reminded me that I had it all backward. I've been giving all my energy, "my all," to this company and giving nothing to myself. (Now listen up, this is key.) I've been fitting my entire life into my corporate job rather than fitting my corporate job into my life. So much so that for the past four months, I've given up everything I love–everything that makes my soul sing. For god sake, I even gave up writing! 

I won't pretend that after one conversation, I'm fixed and have all the answers. On the contrary… I've just begun my journey forward, and I do not doubt that every step forward will be a lesson we'll all learn from together (because I'm going to write about it). 

You see, I'm on a mission. Together, we're going to crack this nut! We will figure out how to live as healthy, well-balanced spiritual beings in a corporate world that's anything but balanced or spiritual. We will learn how to master mindfulness in the workplace and reclaim our calm–our life! 

Here's what I've learned (so far): My mission to improve the health and well-being of humanity by making the power of good the driving force in business has strengthened through this experience. The "power of good" won't come from forcing change in corporate processes and operating models. The power of good will happen when we all figure out how to live as healthy, well-balanced spiritual beings in a corporate vortex that is anything but spiritual and well-balanced. I'm up for the challenge. 

Bring it on, Universe! We're ready. 

Gina Soleil is the Founder of Reframe Consulting Group, Author of Fuel Your Business and a national speaker on culture transformation. She shares insights that help leaders align their people strategies with bold business goals. Schedule a call to have Gina Soleil speak at your next event or to attend an upcoming course.