We had 45 minutes before we were going to leave for the airport. We'd booked this trip nine months ago so we had something to look forward to. Seemed reasonable. We were not outside of the current travel guidelines or restrictions, and we needed a break. Right?

Everything was packed, and we were going to take a little vacation, a 90-minute flight away, for a much-needed change of scenery.

We watched a press conference that ended 45 min before we were to head to the airport. There were no changes in regulations or restrictions, but the health minister ended the session asking people to do what they could and not go anywhere if possible.

Well, ok, our trip was not against the law. Let's go-get the rolly bag on the move!!

I felt off; Rod did too. Rod said, "This doesn't feel right. Let's think about it". I agreed.

10 min later, I said we need to talk, "I'm in crisis" I NEVER say I'm in crisis (it's against my stress management plan). But I felt so awful. I said, "I just lead a group of leaders through a values exercise that morning, and I said if our values don't cost us anything, they're not our values."

I continued, "I don't care what it costs us. We can't go". Rod said he felt the same way.

My top two values that lead me in all the things are LOVE and Courage (this wee email is not called a love note by accident, my friends).

I reached out to our Airbnb, not knowing what would happen. The trip was all paid for in full. Rod cancelled the flights. 15 min later, we had the whole trip cancelled (no refund but rebooked for a year from now), and I HAVE NEVER FELT BETTER!

What did we get in return? Pure JOY. We were on a high for days.

What do you need? These two things- TWO of your top values that light the way when things are tough and they inform your behaviour, and help you make tough decisions.

Could we have got on the plane? Did that feel loving to fly in when they asked people to stay as near to home as possible? No. Did it take courage to cancel so late? Yup. I think so.

Our values matter and they define our behaviour. Without them, we're floppy fish that get tossed around by life's waves.

Want to know more about how to find your top two values? Watch Love At Lunch, and I will tell you how and how they support brain processes :).

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Still having trouble picking those two values?

Think of what two values you want to have lived your life by at the end of the day. When you die what do you what two characteristics do you want to have been reflected in your life?

If someone said, "Leona was loving and courageous", I would jump for joy (and be a crying mess), because that's what matters most to me. I loved well-all the people, strangers, clients, kids, Rod and those that didn't like me. All these people AND that I had the courage to live a great life despite any obstacles and I left nothing on the table. I used my talents, skills and resources well. I didn't hide or hedge, even when I was afraid.

Love always leads for me. Well, not always. I have a sharp and speedy tongue that I don't love. I have learned to slow down enough to see when it will betray my best intentions, and then I choose to let love lead my mouth and my actions. That's how you operationalize a value (engage the value to drive the desired behaviour). That matters.

I am still in awe as to the joy we felt on our entire staycation. It was beyond priceless. Suppose you're facing some challenging places or decisions. Lean into those values, and you will find a joy on the other side that may just blow your hair back with delight.

What are your top two values? Hit reply and tell me!

I would love to hear what they are and how they help you navigate life.

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All the love to you all xoxoxox

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Leona

P.S. If you're reading this, it's nothing short of a miracle as no one reads this far. This weekly email is a pure act of courage for me. I feel like hiding a lot of the time. I DO not feel like doing Love at Lunch either because I worry it's all too much. Love and Courage pull me along when I feel like hiding and playing small-your values will do the same and you will get all the joy from living your best life. Do that. Please.

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P.P.S. If you could use some support in knowing those values and finding more joy-I have all the time for you. Book a 20 min complimentary session https://10to8.com/book/leonadevinne/ or send the link to a friend that could use some love right now.

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