We had the good fortune of connecting with Elena Sonnino and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Elena, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The core value that I view as my foundation is curiosity.
I’ve always been curious, one to ask questions, to explore – but over the years, I’ve realized that curiosity is what truly makes me ME.
Children are born curious, but as we grow – many of us, move through our lives being guided by expectations and judgment. And many of us, me included – see our lives in terms of what needs to be FIXED.
I like to say that expectations are my kryptonite, and curiosity is my antidote – but more than that, all of the big and small moments that have defined me and helped me step into my potential, have been guided by curiosity. An inkling, a knowing that something wanted to be explored – even if it didn’t seem logical, a wondering about what might be possible. We think of curiosity as asking questions, but for me, it is really about allowing, exploring, and inviting our intuition to guide us. My most curious moments feel like whispers…nudges…asking me to pay attention, to try something just because, and following my intuition even if the path feels uncertain.
And in the moments where I’ve struggled the most, as an entrepreneur – but also as a human, have been lacking in curiosity. These moments are usually defined by judgment, or by seeing myself or a situation as something that needed to be “fixed.” The antidote always comes back to, “If I weren’t trying to fix/change _____, what might be possible?” Even the question, “what is working” is a curiosity practice – to notice and allow what is right here to be received, rather than constantly sitting in judgment of what didn’t work or wasn’t enough.
What I’ve learned is that I can NEVER go wrong when I allow myself to be guided by curiosity,
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a life coach feels like being the unicorn in the room.
At the end of the day, I consider myself a guide – for helping women inhabit their most rooted and nourished selves so that they can find their own clarity, live with more purpose, and savor their aliveness. What people often say about me that distinguishes me is that they love my energy, that I’m a ray of sunshine. If I’m being honest, there were a few years that I spent not understanding the value of that energy – but as I look at the legacy I’m creating, I realize that it is that energy – that radiance, that allows me to create magic and possibility in the world.
I’m most proud of allowing my intuition to guide me to dream audacious dreams – and transform them into even more audacious realities. My biggest challenge is that my zone of genius comes from trusting my intuition – or what I consider – my magic. But as powerful as that is, my brain likes logic. I overcome that challenge daily by noticing where I’m craving logic, and stepping even more intentionally towards my intuition and delight.
My story is in part defined by the doctor who first told me I was pregnant over 17 years ago (but had been told my own pregnancy would never be possible much less viable), gave me the nudge when he said: “You can grieve, or you can celebrate until the day you can’t.” That choice has stayed with me and become a guiding principle for how I try to show up each day.
I want the world to know that joy and delight essential daily nutrients. That each of us has everything we need and crave already inside of us – as June Jordan suggested, we are the things we’ve been waiting for.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in the Washington DC and Northern Virginia area are the National Arboretum, stand up paddle boarding on the Potomac River, strolling and shopping in Leesburg, eating dinner at Ahso restaurant, and hiking along the Billy Goat Trail. Two of my favorite hotels and spas are the Four Seasons Washington DC and Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Virginia.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All the shoutout! love….goes to first and foremost my daughter and my husband. For being my cheerleaders and believing in me even when I didn’t.
In particular in 2022, my shoutouts are for the team that has helped me continue to show up and radiate my magic – Alicia Castro of Glorious Co, whose words bring my my work to life, Allison Semancik who has helped me show up with more delight on social media, and Tasha Hazelton who helps me behind the scenes and allows me to stay in my zone of genius.
To my mastermind sisters for reminding me that I’m more than a “nice to have.”
And Susan Hyatt, for lifting me up when I felt discouraged this year by saying, “I wish you could see what I see for you. The bigness that is coming. Rest now. Because you will need it.”
And to my clients, for showing up for themselves and bringing my work to life in their own ways.
Website: www.elenasonnino.com
Instagram: @elenasonnino
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/liveyoursunrise
Other: Download a free 10-minute practice to find your joy https://sunriseinyourpocket.com/findyourjoy
Image Credits
Images by Darlene’s Photography https://darlenesphotography.com/