This Is Not A Pep Talk. (But Feel Free to Listen Up)
I’m T-I-R-E-D!
And based on conversations with so many of you over the last month, you feel the same exhaustion with no end in sight.
A few of the many things on our mind? The uncertainty of not knowing what’s next. The uncertainty of when, or if, “normal” may return. The burden of financial strain and strained family relationships. The constant upheaval. The way the voice of potential gets drowned out by the critical voice that seeps into the cracks of talented and vulnerable hearts and minds.
And, ultimately, not being in control.
Of anything.
In a world where every 24 hours is a whole new reality, and as we struggle to keep things together, I want to share some small reminders to help you keep that light of hope in your heart to keep going. Consider this the ‘pep talk’ you didn’t ask for.
You are Not Failing
Despite what you may think of your friend, neighbor, colleague, other parents or other people in your life, I daresay that no one has it “worked out.”
You are not failing.
You are doing the absolute best you can and that is more than enough for today. Ease up on yourself, rest if you’re tired, and start again tomorrow.
Commit to What You Believe In
Distractions are everywhere. As an antidote, find something that you believe in, and commit to taking one step. If it’s rest you need, then rest like an Olympic medal depends on it. If it’s launching into a new channel of online media, give it a shot. If it’s learning a new skill to help open up opportunities, nudge it with effort. No attempt is wasted. You have all the skills you need right here.
If you have that idea, that burning spark, get started. Start small. Just a little bit of faith and a little bit of trust can get you off on the right foot. Taking that small step forward will help you find a space where you can find some ease, and then the ability to move forward again. Do one small thing. Pretty soon you are on the way.
Delete the Naysayers
Keep your inner circle close, and delete the superfluous naysayers and no-do-gooders. Now is not the time to allow them to take up your energy or space. Take stock of the important people in your life, and surround yourself with those who fill your soul up.
More than ever, please don’t give up. The world NEEDS your voice, your actions, your beliefs and your presence in the unique way that only YOU can show up. Stay connected with community and ask for help.
Right here.
This global readership is a whip-smart supportive group of professionals, and I’d like to say a pretty B*S free-zone. So if you need feedback, help, support, insights, SAY THE WORD. The community is here, and willing to help.
If you know someone who could do with a pep talk, then pick up the phone or send a video message. Tell them how much they mean and the importance of their presence in your life. You never know what someone else needs.
Pep talk over.
Namaste,
Beck
What We're Reading:
Here's what has piqued our interest this week in the world of wine and mindfulness.
Celebrities Could Be Making Good Wine. Instead, They’re Making Bad Wine for Good Money. – Victoria James for Esquire.com
Hollywood’s biggest winos seem fixated on turning celeb labels into multi-million dollar companies. Sommelier Victoria James knows why that’s a burgundy-soaked red flag.
Bacardi ‘not proud’ of Plume and Petal Marketing - Nicola Carruthers for The Spirits business.com
Drinks firm Bacardi said it was “not proud” of using gendered marketing to promote its new low-alcohol range Plume and Petal after facing criticism on social media.
The Best Masks for Every Situation, According to Health Experts
What are epidemiologists, virologists, and doctors putting on their (and their families’) faces in day-to-day life?
How do Lyre’s new, non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ taste to a teetotal Gen Z? Yasmin Dean for The Buyer.net
How do the latest releases of Lyre non-alcoholic spirits stack up to a Gen Z non-drinker? Yasmin Dean finds out.
Busting the myths around menopause – Linda Moon for Wellbeing.com.au
Shrouded in social discomfort, the perception of menopause is framed by our culture. Understanding menopause better can help you create a more positive, empowered experience.
Meet the Community!
Our community is only as strong as the company we keep, and here we meet some of the folks who make our profession so dynamic.
Regine T Rousseau, CEO Shall We Wine (Chicago, USA)
Years in the industry
I worked as a wine salesperson in the late 1990’s. I left the industry after two years to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales. I always maintain an interest in wine and spirits and knew that someday I would return to the industry.
Fast forward to 2013, when I was happily laid off from a sales position with a litigation consulting firm. I decided then to find my way back to wine. I applied to a few sales positions. The companies I was most excited to work for did not offer me a position (I am sure they are regretting this now). Circa December of 2013, I put pen to paper and decided to create my dream job. Did I ever!
Today, I am the CEO of Shall We Wine. The mission of Shall We Wine is to celebrate and demystify the alcoholic beverage, inspiring great drinkers everywhere! Shall We Wine is an experiential marketing, promotions and event partner that specializes in offering wine & spirits solutions for both client and consumer — with a philosophy that embraces approachability and accessibility.
My biggest challenge to wellness
The pursuit of perfection. I am working on surrendering to the reality that perfection is an illusion. I know this to be fact, but I sometimes struggle. A few weeks ago, while listening to Brené Brown's podcast, Unlocking Us, I heard a quote that best sums up the mindset I am working to embrace. Brené Brown was interviewing Laverne Cox.
Brown ends each podcast interview with ten quick fire questions. She asked Cox, “You are called to do something brave, but you’re scared, what do you do?” Cox answered I say, “God give me the strength to do this imperfectly and be of service.” We are called to be brave at least a hundred times each day. Some of these calls require big acts of bravery and others minor. Like now, sitting in my car answering these interview questions. For me this is a big act of bravery because, although I love it, writing and speaking take me to my most vulnerable place. I prayed Laverne Cox’s prayer even before I heard the words. Wellness comes with the abandonment of the pursuit of perfection.
How I keep it together to stay well
Keep it together? Hum, I have you fooled. My life is one gigantic, unpredictable, interesting, complex, exciting roller coaster. I would not trade it for anything. I have learned to pay attention to my body, it tells me when I am out of balance. My body signals impending chaos in quick sharp prods. I used to ignore the signs, now I create peace. I have a beautiful apartment filled with artwork and wines that soothes me. I take long walks while listening to Brené Brown’s podcast (yes, it is an obsession) and books by authors who have become my spiritual guides. I sometimes just sit still and allow my body and mind to be healed by silence.
You can connect with Regine on Instagram @shallwewine , Facebook @ShallWeWine and Twitter @regineTRousseau and online at ShallWeWine.com and RegineRousseau.com
