The Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week is May 1 – 7, 2023. The theme for this important week of awareness is MY STORY. On their website, CAMH writes that “Collectively and individually, we have multiple layers and stories that make us who we are”. It’s an important message to remind us to think about who we are as individuals but also who we are together and what teams, communities, and groups we are part of.
Our stories make us who we are, and they also are key to how we can contribute to others’ lives and make a difference in the world. Knowing your story and sharing your story with those who matter can be life-changing for you and for others. Sharing your story can take courage. As the quote above illustrates, our stories have multiple layers and some of those layers may be easier to uncover, interpret, share, or face than others. You should never feel ashamed of any part of your story – honour and appreciate every step you have taken on your journey through life – it has made you who you are today and every page in your book of life will have a lesson that can take you to the next stage of your life.
One of my favorite quotes is by Helen Keller “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This is what it means to be part of a team. When you find others with whom you feel a connection you can harness the power of working as a team by combining the unique talents and strengths of everyone on the team. Together, a team can accomplish more than the sum of its parts, and this quote serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and collaboration. A big part of my story is a result of being a part of many epic teams starting right back at high school. My career was shaped by the person I became training to “make the team”. Together Everyone Achieves More (T.E.A.M.)
Sharing your story is one of the most powerful ways to harness your WHY, build connection and find your place in the world. It’s essential as a team leader that you are open, approachable, and relatable to others (team members). It is equally important that you take time to listen to and honour the stories of those on your team. This again is an incomparably essential way to build safety and trust and build connections within the teams. The better you know and connect with one another the stronger your team and the more you can achieve together. Sharing your stories with others does not take long and it does not have to be your entire life history. It helps everyone MO’ve forward!
Sharing your story does take courage and if it is not something you have done much of or feel uncomfortable with, I invite you to take time to do some self-reflection or journaling. This is work you do not have to share with anyone, but it can be a great way to develop self-awareness and get to know yourself, and make sense of your life. It will help you be more confident and feel more comfortable sharing your story with others. I also invite you to listen to and learn from others’ stories. Podcasts are a great way to do this!
In my podcast episode on A MO’ment with Mo I speak to Tosca Reno, a renowned Canadian author, motivational speaker, and health and wellness expert who has made a significant impact in the fitness industry. Tosca has been a trailblazer in the gig economy and has built successful teams that are thriving. Her and her story has inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions for personal health and wellness. We share thoughts about how working together on an incredible team has meant so much to help us in our businesses and lives. I invite you to listen to our conversation this MO’nth!
At canfitpro this year we are excited to share our story and the COURAGE stories of others as we celebrate our 30th anniversary at the canfitpro 2023 Global Conference and Trade Show in August. We are beginning a new chapter in canfitpro’s history, and we can’t wait to share this with everyone on our team, our members, our sponsors and supports. I hope you will join us in August so we can share our stories and successes.
