July Founder's Letter
July 2023
Dear Friends,
Time is fleeting. It is absolutely the most precious thing to me to spend time with people I love. It is something to covet and cherish and to defend. It is how and why I learned to say “No” without apology because I know it means I am saying “Yes” to the things I know are most important. This is called discernment and it’s one of the best things about getting older!
I had a sweet opportunity to spend some quality time with my parents the last few months. I wrote about it in my July column for The Aspen Times. You can read it HERE.
For any of you who know me, you know I got lucky in the parent department. My mom and dad really enjoy life with us, they are there for us, and now they are there for their grandkids, too. They know the meaning of cherishing and coveting time. They lost their daughter to a brain tumor when she was 5-years-old, before I was born. Because of that tragic loss, they cherished us even more. And they told us how much they cherished us so we knew. That’s a gift.
Now, I feel myself cherishing the moments with them more. When I say goodbye and see you soon, I know I may not. I know time is fleeting. It’s something I want to hold onto, but I can’t. It flows. It moves. Can it move me closer to them and to knowing myself more because of who they are? It can if I allow myself to slow down and be with them.
Both of my parents have survived cancer, my dad doesn’t move so well anymore and often ends up in the ER when he comes to altitude, my mom can still haul around one 30 lb twin, but it takes its toll. These are the best times we have, to be together while they still have it together, somewhat.
Having my own version of tragedy before I had my magical twins - how many losses did I experience before these two made me a mama?? - I know to cherish these times we have all together. Knowing what can be lost by having lost is a profound type of learning that leaves an indelible mark.
My girls are two, and spending time with them is my priority. My parents are 86 and 77, spending time with them is my priority, too. Seeing them together, the young and the old, is the best! I wish we had more time. Knowing I cannot create that phenomenon, I know I can slow down time by being present with each moment we have. I do that by noticing things. Just the other day, I noticed the chair my dad was sitting in just the week before. I felt his presence there. I saw how he was smiling at us as we all played and splashed in the water, a wry smile on his face. Happy/sad. Time is fleeting. He knows this.
Part of the inspiration for our upcoming Lead with Love “La Dolce Vita” Retreat in Italy this September is to take time together to reflect on what’s important, to experience it and to use discernment to keep creating a life where what is a priority - for me it’s family, friends and health - are the things I focus on and nourish.
Let each of us focus on and cherish what is truly important, today and everyday.
Check out the links below and jump onto our Instagram channel as well (@ileadwithlove) as I have personally been sharing some bits of life there and would love to connect with you!
A Lead with Love Retreat in Italia Sept 23-30!
We are incredibly excited to announce we are back in business hosting retreats! I’ve (Gina) been spending more time in Europe these days and I felt a strong desire to host a gathering of friends in Italy this year. "La Dolce Vita" or sweet life in Italy with a focus on food, family, fun and friends, speaks to me. I found the perfect venue that I can not wait to share with you. It's going to be really special.
Me and my beautiful soul sister Elisa Bava plus a friend and mentor of mine Dr. Miles Reid + other special guest teachers will be co-hosting this Lead with Love Retreat Sept 23-30, 2023. Please email me directly here if you get that, “I am IN!!!” feeling once you see the place. Space is super limited so let me know soon if you feel called to join us.
Our annual Lead with Love summit in Aspen and other retreats around the world always felt so good and I want to be part of that energy again. I hope you will save the dates Sept 23-30, 2023 and join us!
With Love and Gratitude to each of you for the preciousness that is you.
Gina