Recently I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Jacinta, a leadership development expert, where she highlighted how each of us is given “gifts and treasures” in this life. She is right! Moreover, I believe our task is to uncover those gifts and offer them to the world.
When I left my work in organized Jewish education, I said, “I want the world to be my classroom and my stage.” That declaration wasn’t just a passing thought—it was a commitment to purpose. In fact, it’s so meaningful to me that it’s written on my website under “My Story.” And it remains true to this day!
What about you? What is your purpose? What impact do you want to bring to this world?
Recently, one of my clients—a hardworking professional, mother, and partner—came to me feeling overwhelmed. She was trying to be everything to everyone, yet feeling exhausted, unhappy, and unfulfilled.
Her work-life balance was slipping, not because she wasn’t trying hard enough, but because she hadn’t yet aligned her life’s demands with her core values and true gifts. Her job, once a source of pride, had become a burden, largely because her boss lacked empathy, curiosity, and openness. She felt she was wearing too many “shoes” at once, constantly waiting for the next one to drop.
Together, we delved into her values and priorities, exploring what truly makes her shine and what dims her light. Through our work, she started seeing the difference between trying to meet everyone else’s needs and honoring her own gifts. She told me, “I was without a doubt jealous and fell into a victim/unworthy/overwhelmed mode. I need to be fully present and honest with myself. I am on a quest for honesty and being present in my life. 💕”
This experience reminded me: as leaders, our role is to support others in bringing forth their unique strengths. When we stretch our people to their breaking point, we end up with resentment and burnout. But when we recognize, affirm, and honor their gifts, we unlock loyalty, energy, and genuine growth.
Reflect on your own life’s journey:
What makes you shine? What brings joy and pleasure into your life?
What dims your light? What steps do you need to take to shine even brighter?
Is there a purpose or impact calling to you that you’re ready to explore?
PS: If you enjoyed this email, don’t keep me a secret- please share it and always connect if you have a need for a speaker!
As always,
Be Yourself, Be Positive, Be the Champion you want to see
About Dorice Horenstein
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Resilience Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Resilience Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice is a dynamic speaker whose energy and charisma have a global impact. Her core superpower is her ability to present, train, and coach effectively. She redefines “T.E.A.M.” as “Together Everyone’s Attributes are Magnified,” inspiring others to recognize their strengths, enhance effectiveness, and joyfully step into their destined leadership roles. Her mission is to cultivate healthy, positive relationships that reduce stress, increase retention rates, and create a more positive culture both at work and at home.
