daring greatly like it's my job

About 6 weeks ago, I received an email from my friend Brené Brown.  "Hey," she said, "any chance you could stop by my office sometime soon?  I have a project that I'd like to talk to you about."

I responded yes, and even though it was somewhat of an unusual request, I honestly didn't think too much about it.  I mean, I've done projects with Brené before.  She invited me to be on her online art journaling course a few years ago, The Gifts of Imperfection, and I was happy to be a part of it.  When she invited me to certify in The Daring Way™, I didn't even hesitate.  So as before, this time I assumed that she had an idea for a discrete, one-off project to which I could contribute some small part.

I could not have been more wrong.

I'm so excited to share that I walked out of that little meeting not with a "project," but instead, a job offer.  I've officially joined Brené's team as Co-Director, Collaboration & Development for The Daring Way™.  Some background:  The Daring Way™ is a training and certification program for helping professionals (psychologists, therapists, social workers, leadership and life coaches, clergy, and so on) who want to facilitate Brené's work on vulnerability, courage and worthiness. It's always been Brené's intent to cultivate a global conversation about vulnerability, courage, worthiness and shame, and she's long wanted to ensure this work is as inclusive as possible, making it available to those who need it, but who might have financial limitations.  In order to create more opportunities and possibilities to achieve this objective, the plan is to convert The Daring Way™ to not-for-profit status.  My new job is to help make this happen, and help the new organization achieve its goals.

I can't tell you how delighted I am about this.  As much as I love writing and speaking and shooting (all of which will continue, by the way), the part I've missed most about the leadership roles I've held in my previous corporate life is working with a team, particularly one as sharp and passionate as this one is proving to be.  Plus, honestly, it's exhilarating to work somewhere where I actually believe in the work.  

As far as what changes this will mean for Chookooloonks:  thankfully, not too many.  I'll still be blogging here, sharing stories and images of life and travels (honestly, I'll probably be blogging until they remove my laptop from my cold, dead hands).  I'm still writing my book, and I'll still be doing a fair amount of speaking (especially since my work, focusing on the beauty of different, authenticity, leadership and thriving dovetails so nicely with Brené's).  My newsletter will likely move to once-a-month, but it will still exist, never fear.  For now, however, coaching will have to move to the back-burner, at least until I get my sea legs with my new gig.

So! This is my big news.  As always, I share this with you with the deepest gratitude for the way you've always supported me here on Chookooloonks, through this journey I call life.  Thank you so much, friends.  I can't wait to share all the good that this next adventure will bring.