HOW TO USE THIS POWERFUL TOOL

How to use THIS POWERFUL TOOL

FOR RESILIENCE, COURAGE

& CLARITY workshop for our community in May. This week, I’d like to drill down a bit further on the research, with thanks to Rachel for her legwork and summaries.

It strengthens your immune system.

It eases stress and trauma.

It has long-term health benefits, both physically and psychologically.

And it can help you become more resilient.

Figured it out yet, have you?

I wouldn’t have guessed the answer, even though I’ve been doing it for most of my life.

Writing, that is, and specifically expressive writing about emotions.

Last week, to open the online workshop we led for Dream Big Darling’s Ready.Set.GROW! series, Rachel Collier spoke about these benefits and the medical research behind them.

I can’t speak to it from any clinical perspective but, as someone who writes (expressively and about emotions) for a few hours on most days, I can say that it makes all the sense in the world.

Rachel’s idea behind the workshop was to share a tool with our community that she finds very helpful, along with specific prompts that focused on resiliency. “The goal was to remind ourselves through writing,” Rachel said, “that we already have strengths that we can call upon during today’s challenging times and that there are positives that can come from difficulties.” A Harvard Medical School study found that writing in some cases triggered the release of dopamine, similar to music or viewing art. The study also found that the process of writing helped better regulate emotions as the act of constructing a story about a stressful or traumatic event helped break free from rumination.

Participants in a study at Cambridge University were asked to write about emotional events for 1520 minutes on 3-5 occasions. Those who did had significantly better physical and psychological outcomes, compared to those who wrote about neutral topics.

A study reported by the American Psychological Association showed that patients with chronic serious illnesses were able to boost their immune functioning through writing about emotions and stress.

Another study reported by Wharton professor Adam Grant showed that recently-fired engineers who wrote down their thoughts and feelings about losing their jobs reported feeling less anger and hostility. Eight months later, 52% of them were reemployed full time, compared to 19% of the control group.

It adds up to a pretty compelling rationale to give writing for self-expression a try. Participants in the Ready.Set.Grow! workshop last week “tapped into their inner monologue and found courage and clarity,” said Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, President & Founder of Dream Big Darling. “This is one of life’s most powerful lessons.”

Try it out and see what you think. Then let us know. We could all use more doses of resilience, courage and clarity. Namaste,

Cathy Huyghe & Rachel Collier

What we are reading

MINDSET THE NEW PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS CAROL S. DWECK

FIND YOUR WHY

SIMON SINEK

DARE TO LEAD

BRENE BROWN

GRIT

ANGELA DUCKWORTH

STRENGTHS FINDER

TOM RATH

"Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are."

READY. SET.

GROW

EIGHT WEEK VIRTUAL SESSIONS JUNE 3, 2020 - JULY 15, 2020

We are living in a season where our travel is limited, and we are dependent on technology. We had to learn how to reinvent our journey to stay connected. Whether though our smartphone, tablet, or computer, we discovered we can span the miles to connect with our Tribe and grow together via Zoom. This technology played important role in our learning but not at the expensive of our relationship with our Tribe. Though we would always prefer to be meet in person, the Ready. Set. GROW! series gave us the ability to be together in minutes (no jet lag required) to maximize our career growth. This series was free to anyone who wanted to participate. If you missed our Ready. Set. GROW! series live broadcasts, each session is posted on our website. You can plug in and listen anytime you'd like. Each session featured a 30-minute topical presentation by a keynote speaker, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. The sessions featured luminaries who shared their expertise across a variety of topics pertaining to the wine and spirits industry. The series is designed to provide practical and timely insights for professional development, personal success, and career advancement.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…

“Entertaining and helpful, the Ready. Set. GROW! series will offer specific takeaways you'll definitely use for calibrating your mindset, growing your business and beyond,” Cindy from Wheaton, IL.

“This program has given me the tools to successfully plan and execute my brand. I have learned the work I need to invest in myself as well as how to relate to my audience while I empower other women to do the same,” Nancy from Paso Robles, CA.

“Plant your seed today. This series can get you started and the ladies of "Dream Big Darling" will inspire you. Join women making change in the world of wine spirits together!” Lily from San Francisco, CA.

“This series is an integral part of selfdevelopment and is a good resource for those who can use a refresher or for those who need a place to feel comfortable,” Jean-Wesley from District Heights, MD.

ALL RECORDED SESSIONS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE DREAMBIGDARLING.ORG

Featuring Erin Kirschenmann, managing editor at Wine Business Monthly In an employer’s market, how do you make yourself irresistible to any hiring manager? Learn how to effectively market yourself and ensure a position that matches your values and moves you forward.

Featuring Regine Rousseau, CEO of Shall We Wine; and Christine Curtis, creative director at Dream Big Darling In the digital world it is nearly impossible to build a professional brand without the use of video. Learn how to be comfortable, engaging and powerful when the lights are on and the camera is rolling.

Featuring Becky Harris, founder and chief distiller at Catoctin Creek Pivoting in life and business has never been more important. Learn how one artisan whisky producer transformed her company overnight in response to COVID-19—and gain insights into how you can be ready for your own pivot. Featuring Jordan Fiorentini, vice president of winemaking and vineyards at Epoch Estate Wines. Staying connected to your craft is critical. Learn how one leading winemaker stays fresh with new ideas in the vineyard and cellar— and why intentional curiosity is essential to future success. Featuring Chuck Furuya, M.S., partner at DK Restaurants and co-founder of Wine Speak Paso Robles Being passionate is essential to your quality of life, both personally and professionally. Learn how one master sommelier stokes his passion for paying it forward—and how to preserve your own passions amid changing and challenging environments.

Featuring Cathy Huyghe, columnist at Forbes.com and Inc.com and co-founder at Enolytics; and Rachel Collier, chief strategic officer at Dream Big Darling Do you enjoy writing as a tool for gaining personal insight and self-knowledge? We will walk you through a writing session that will help explore and clarify your strengths and leave you energized

for the next step in your career.

Featuring Amy Hoopes, president at Wente Family Estates Looking toward the future and creating a winning plan for each day is the secret to success. Learn from a leading wine executive how she implements her “long

game” approach to life and business.

“This program has given me the tools to successfully plan and execute my brand."