Show Up as Your Best Self: Mindful Leaders, Meditation, & More

Show Up as Your Best Self by Bailey and Horne was recommended to me a few weeks ago. I read it initially with some reservations, thinking that it wouldn’t have direct application to my role as an owner of a small law practice; or to my relationships as a husband and father. After my first reading, I found to my surprise that I returned to the book, needing to review again the book's well-stated reinforcement of the need to slow down; listen better; and be more generous. The book reinforces the importance of daily meditation to “quiet the mind” , and to experience the present moments fully. I found myself returning to the book’s helpful stories and instructions, especially to help me deal calmly and compassionately with frustrated clients. The chapter discussing the Gratitude Journal and the story by Len Bardfeld “ What I learned from Flipping Burgers…” were particularly helpful in recognizing how to listen to, and respond fully, to others. Bailey’s and Horne's book is a great resource.

As a small business owner and a mom, I have my hands in every aspect of the business while juggling a family. I never felt I had the right to slow down and take a moment for myself. After reading this book, I found that it is so crucial to slow down in order to show up. There is no way to be successful if you don't take care of yourself. There is no way to show up for your family, friends, business partners and customers unless you take time for yourself each day. Cathy shows us a clear path to success in the workplace and out if you follow the steps that she gives you in this book. Cathy gives us inspirational stories and step-by-step instructions to success. Read this book!

Bailey's book is a fantastic review of how we all can improve our leadership skills by taking a moment to clear our minds and focus on purposeful, mindful actions and communication. The stories in this book demonstrate how the ramifications of being mindful can improve relationships both professional and personal and lead to a more fulfilled and rewarding life. I personally started implementing yoga and meditation into my life about 2.5 years ago and have taken the lessons I've learned on my mat with me to my personal life, particularly during times of struggle. Bailey's account has taught me how to bring these same important principles to my professional life and I am grateful and excited to see how this benefits my practice as a physician. Well done Bailey! Looking forward to your next book.

Very pleased with this purchase. Quick, simple, and makes a solid case for meditating. She walked me through a simple four-part meditation that I could apply immediately. And want to continue to use. Never before has meditation seemed so simple, so accessible. I'll look forward to getting somewhere 5 minutes early so that I can take that time to meditate! Plus, a collection of interesting pieces from some of Cathy's mentors -- impressive business people. Kind of feels like your a fly on the wall for an intimate conversation with high achieving people who know each other well. An easy read that I'll return to.

This book is beautifully written because it was written from the heart and has inspiring stories that make you want to become a better version of yourself right away. I couldn't help but be centered and present while reading the meditations and personal stories. In fact, this book is a meditation. The stories themselves are grounding and humbling and REAL from successful people who learned to show up as their best selves because their livelihood and inner joy depended on it. This will be my 'go to' book on days I am discouraged and need a little encouragement (and a light kick in the pants). Bravo, Cathy, for an inspired read.

Great book! Very inspiring. Senior exec friends have started doing meditation and I was skeptical, but after reading this book, I am ready to try it. Reading this on the train to work started my day in a more energized way. Applying Bailey’s techniques showed me how taking time to reflect, refocus and recharge myself can actually make me more aware, confident and effective in the crazy environment in which I work. It has helped redirect my energy in a more productive and rewarding way to achieve the bigger picture. Her stories were relatable and relevant. Bailey’s knowledge is apparent and passion is contagious.

While many who see the cover of Show Up as Your Best Self may believe it is a practical and easy to guide to mindful meditation, those lucky individuals who read the book will gain additional benefits. Yes, Show Up as Your Best Self will start you meditating, but if you follow the broader advice, you will also improve as a leader and become better with relationships. While it is a quick, enjoyable read, its content is like a homemade broth; the longer you allow it to simmer the more rewarding will be the results.

In today's busy world, I seldom find time for myself. I have never been a yoga/meditation person. I have always wanted to try it but was intimated by the process. Bailey's book provides a simple guide to get started on simple, easy to follow meditations. She reminds us to take care of yourseIf first, through meditation, mindfulness, a healthy lifestyle.... to name a few.Additionally, she offers some inspiring leadership stories that are both relatable and helpful in all areas of your life. I especially liked the straight forward step by step action plan to get started. Taking time for myself has never been so easy and rewarding.

As a coping tool for this hectic, stressful life, you could not read anything better. It is becoming my go to calming and enlightening learning aid.It could be the best thing I have done for my health and well being purchasing this gem. The information in the book can be incorporatedinto every day life so easily.Thankyou Cathy, for helping me deal with the stresses of modern day life. We are living through very troubled times and need to learn tohandle and cope with all these negative influences.

So accessible and immensely helpful. Remembering a few golden nuggets of advice from the book helped me to manage and navigate an important meeting today. But really, I am inspired to l embrace the gems of wisdom in this book as part of my life going forward, for more enriched interactions with colleagues, bosses and stakeholders in my workplace.