Restful play is the new hustle & grind.

“I like to lean into the incline. I enjoy it. If it doesn’t make you happy, then don’t do it.”

This came from a mentor, friend and someone I consider chosen family last week. He was referencing leaning into professional opportunities, challenges and friction. To leverage just the right amount of incline to create momentum and leave a larger lasting footprint.

Upon reflection, I realized that for me, my ambition gets to be led and fueled by restful play. This would be my Simon Sinek “how” to my “why”.

I’m highly ambitious *and* sensitive. These are mutually inclusive. And I’m an excellent, capable builder. I spend most of my days listening to a muse invisible to the naked eye called creativity, joy and laughter. This, I believe, is why people have told me I’m a light. It’s because I’m listening to the light (within).

Everytime I hear hustle and grind, my skin crawls.

My choices are committed rest and play.

Rest on the page. Play in the arena.

This, as a stance, is far lighter than to hustle on the page and grind in the arena.

Trust yourself enough to rest in your gifts and play on the world’s stage.

This is the essence of true “risk” and detached generosity.

It doesn’t matter what way you choose. I’ve found mine.

This may even be my next TEDx.

What do you think?