As I set up my calendar for the month, I select a quote I’ve found that speaks to me. I write it in my planner and leave space below it to capture phrases I hear or read that speak to me and relate to the quote. I found this practice centers me throughout the month, and helps me be more present in my conversations, meetings, and readings. For September 2025, my quote was: “What is the gift you carry in your soul?”
September had soul-full book end milestones.
It began with presentations on how to be more mindful in order to build a brand that is comfortable and aligned to you, not a mass-produced corporate model.
It closed in a circle of strangers crying barefoot on the grass next to the Washington Monument.
Here are the quotes, lyrics, and phrases that that caught the attention of my head and heart as I thought about the gifts in my soul:
- Fortunately, I’ve learned not to listen to my mind all the time
- Sit with it
- I will seek your good
- Wiggle your butt and get to work
- What am I in service of?
- Longing is sacred, it tells us what mattered
- Slowness is not less than
- A beautiful quilt of beings
- Who is your choir?
- Embrace mystery
- We are part of the universal tapestry
- Community transforms grief from isolation into belonging
- Sorry is not a weakness, but a thread of love
- The healing wisdom of darkness and dirt
Three times this month different accounts at my company asked me to talk to emerging leaders about how to build a personal brand and executive presence. First, I make sure everyone has a common understanding of brand. Brand is not a logo. Brand is what folks feel about you based on interactions with every part of you over time, from conversations and texts to broken promises. Your brand is how they feel due to the way you consistently do, or don’t, show up. Next, I talk about different ways to demonstrate the brand they want others to experience through “mindful presence” – from how you show up online in a remote work environment to active participation in a meeting (voice, questions, listening, body). Finally, I try to make it clear that brand is not about copying an influencer, mentor, or boss. It’s about knowing who you are and how you want to be in the world. How to express your innate gifts, values, and learned expertise in all you do.
Additionally, various career-centered coaching calls this month contained conversations that touched on the hunt for alignment between paycheck and purpose. What were they good at… what did they want to bring about… how did they want to be… and how to put it all together. Basically, work was work. Transactional exchanges, system habits, and ladders to climb. There was a desire for different. To be doing something that satisfies their soul. Purposeful work.
At months end, an invitation from a friend reminded me why soul-centered work – using your gifts for a greater good – is transformational.
“Let me tell you how this all started…,” the host began as 20 people stood in a circle next to the iconic Washington Monument just after daybreak on a Saturday. He shared that that more than 40 Soldiers in the 1-17 Infantry Battalion were killed in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A Google search I did later revealed that this battalion suffered the highest casualty rate of any U.S. infantry battalion in the War in Afghanistan.
“It was a lot to process, and they wanted to honor them. So, each day, the remaining Soldiers would gather, say the names of the fallen, and then go for a run together.” And then added, “That is the origin story of Wear Blue: Run to Remember.”
“We are hosting our run, walk, and yoga remembrance in recognition of National Gold Star Mother’s Day that’s tomorrow. Mothers – and loved ones – who’s children died in service of our country–from training to combat.”
“On this day I remember…” One by one, each person in our circle spoke this phrase and shared a name of a fallen service member. I remembered 1LT Thomas Martin, killed in action at 27 years old, whose “Wear Blue” photo card I held in my hand, and also my dad.
This “circle of lost souls” as it was called generated not only tears, but connectional compassion.
A young woman crying comforted by a Veteran who walked through the circle to hug the hurting stranger.
An Afghanistan service member with his 2-year-old daughter on his shoulders building a new life in the United States.
Active duty services members carrying the legacy of a lost – but not forgotten – battle buddy.
Me recalling the loved ones who called the Army’s Long Term Family Case Management call center, where I was a consultant, looking for answers and help following the death of their Soldier during the height of OIF/OEF. “Ma’am, none of the case managers are available. They are on the phone with other family members. I’d love to hear about your son while you hold…,” I offered one mother, and then listened for 30 minutes as she shared her love.
Strangers in community sharing our souls.
Now that is a true gift.
