Embracing Change as our Super Power
When we gather in community to discuss topics close to our hearts, there are moments of surprise, delight and awakening. Our first in-person event of the year, Embracing Change as Your Superpower, exemplified the magic of our RevelEleven community.
While I have spent five years diving deep into the topic of change, it was the first time I met and interviewed our two special guests, Petra Hilleburg and Donna Moodie. It was another first to explore the topic live and highlight the stories of RevelEleven co-creators, Joanie Parsons and Monica Smith.
We set the stage with Mother Nature as an example. The certainty of her seasons which will come and go – moments in time – beginnings and endings. A passing sentiment caught in the heaviness of winter rain. The hope emanating from smells of lilac bushes and sprouting tulips. The luster of purples and pinks found in a late-night summer sunset. The anticipation scattered in piles of colored leaves and cool morning breezes.
Joanie and Monica kicked off the evening with a story of RevelEleven’s inception, during the 2008 financial crisis, and a period of massive change in our country. They gathered with a group of women for dinner and intentional conversation on their experiences, fears, and ideas to navigate uncertainty. They reflected on how RevelEleven evolved over time, to a global community of women who embrace change, spirit, adventure, and nature.
Petra surprised all of us when she shared, “At first, I didn’t understand why I was asked to speak on this topic. I didn’t think I had much experience with change.” Yet she gracefully unfolded many examples of transition and ways she accessed nature as a touchstone in her life - navigating a wave while sea kayaking, moving countries, becoming a CEO, leading a company through a pandemic, and launching facilities in other countries. Her reflection, she embraces change as something to be expected and to get out in front of.
Donna affirmed the power of letting go of what others may think when making important decisions. She shared the importance of trusting herself and following her passion to build community in founding her iconic restaurant, Marjorie; closing it after 14 years; and choosing to open a new location. We reveled in her learned wisdom of how she let go of fear of what was at stake and instead, leaned into possibility. Donna values using lived experience for courage to try something new, which has also led her to discovering a complimentary corporate life and a career at Community Roots Housing.
For me, the evening felt like tying an elegant ribbon around years of work noodling why it can be hard to choose to stay or go. I have learned making a big change typically doesn’t solve a problem. Sometimes it is a step toward personal freedom. There is no right or wrong way to leave something we once wanted or believed in. I believe exploring cultural norms through conversation and community is an important part of the journey.
What keeps us from embracing change? How do we find the courage? These were just some of the questions you asked us. You are not alone. Themes, from the 50 women interviewed, on the process of considering and making change in their lives.
The fear of choosing wrong
The worry of whether our decision will make sense to others
How the angst of indecision shows up in our bodies
Anticipation for how our choice might impact people we care about
Trusting the possibility of something more, even when we don't know what that looks like
The freedom of personal choice and self-discovery
Our invitation to you is simple - stay open to possibility and trust in yourself. Change is ever present and there can be tremendous joy and discovery when you embrace it. We invite you to join our community of women changing their lives and the world they live in at RevelEleven.
Monica Dillon Huntsberry
Author, Host and Advisor for RevelEleven
If you are interested in reading more from Monica Dillon Huntsberry, you can find her at
https://www.chaptersonleaving.com/