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Dear Readers:

We have spoken a lot about the the importance of showing your best self to your clients, family, friends and colleagues, but today I would like to talk about the importance of giving yourself the same respect, forgiveness and space to grow that you show to those around you.  It has become somewhat of a cliché, but there is truth in the idea that what we put out begins with what we give to ourselves. Think about it: if we cannot take care of ourselves, how can a client trust us to take care of them?

As event industry professionals, we are in a constant state of serving and pleasing others, but what is equally important is taking the time to check-in with yourself along the way.  Paying close attention to the messages your body, intuition and daily habits are sending your way about who and where you are may not only diffuse inner tension, but it may also keep your days productive.  How much time do we waste trying to undo the damage that often comes with knee-jerk reactions to being pushed to the edge?

If you find that you’re unable to concentrate, constantly dealing with the same type of drama, or heading to the local nail salon for a quick back massage because you’re holding onto every rude thing uttered by a vendor, it’s time to tweak the way you navigate through your daily to-do’s. We often forget that we set the tone as to how people treat and approach us, at least the second time.

I write this post as someone who has had to learn this through trial-and-error. I had to learn to give myself space to be Preston Bailey, the flawed human being, as well as the designer.  I had to learn to allow myself the same room to make mistakes and grow that I gave those around me.  I am not perfect and I was never supposed to be.  I want to give my very best and I am humbled when my clients are happy, but we all have moments where we flourish and others where we flop.  It’s a process. There was time when I didn’t understand this and didn’t treat myself very well as a result.  The critic in the back of my head always seemed to veto any decision to be joyful for the chance to work in a field I loved and with clients and colleagues I respected. Time has shown me that gratitude is tied to the very joy I was not unable to feel, but afraid to feel. Yes, we artists are always looking at a final project with a designers eye, telling ourselves ah, it could have been a little better. But there is a big difference between learning what to do next time and being so paralyzed by the fear of a jinx that you devalue the very blessing that is spending your days doing what you love.

Today, I would like to ask: Do you find there is a discrepancy in how you treat others and yourself. If so, is this something that works for you or is this something you’d like to work on changing? Also, what are your tips for treating yourself better?

Blessings,

Preston

(Photo Courtesy of Pinterest)

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