Twenty women tell their stories of inner wisdom and strength, tragedy and triumph of the unconquerable spirit. Take this journey and learn from unforgettable life stories about navigating the changes along life’s path as stumbling blocks become stepping stones
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With a vague dream and a yearning, I traveled to Southern Africa at the height of Apartheid. I was invited to performances, protests, coronations and speeches. I heard musicians, writers, performers and leaders. Each was riveting, powerful and transforming.
Committed to the voice of a larger vision, they spoke with unwavering conviction. They dared to speak in ways that had not yet been spoken.
Although these performers were engaging and compelling, it was their passion more than their skill that moved others. They exuded a presence that seeped into the fiber of life itself. They were direct, honest and unabashedly courageous. They touched the heart. They inspired greatness. They changed the way the room breathed.
It was living theater: powerful expressions of everyday life – stories that revealed daily, mythic heroism. There was an intensity of emotion and self-identity that altered perception. Quite simply, these acts of truth changed how everyday people sought answers in a confusing time. They shifted a nation and, in the end, changed the world.
I realized that I didn’t want to leave theater. I wanted my work to give voice to personal story and human connection – to evoke new ways of being beyond the stage and into the world of everyday living. Art had saved my life. I believed it was a tool to save others.
As I returned to the States, I had the seeds of a new way of working. What began as a creative way of escaping and hiding evolved into a soul-calling. It synthesized my full life experience. My travels had provided global perspective. My theater experience provided the skills and appreciation for embodying a powerful vision. My delinquency gave me understanding of what happens to a wounded spirit. My mother pushed me to challenge life.
My work continues to evolve. Whether facilitating public art, helping people share their voice or shaping a business vision, my intention is always the same. What compels you? What is the unique voice of your vision? Who do you want to serve?
What continues to drive my creative spirit is the deep connection that occurs when we dare to speak to a larger view for the world by living and speaking our vision in whatever form it takes.
Working among leaders of vision and artists of change is inspiring beyond compare. Each brings a wealth of skill, craft and soul-passion. Yet, most are challenged by the thought of exposing their self and shaping their public identity and voice.
That’s where our work often begins.
As I reflect on my own journey and those of many of my clients, there seems to be a common process we all go as we learn to honor our voice and our vision. Along the way there are unforgettable moments of exhilaration and accomplishments beyond measure. There are also moments of fear, doubt and confusion.
These five key stages of letting vision speak allow me to be more compassionate, understanding and successful as I bring my vision to life.
I tell clients: Take some time. See if you are ready to move through all of this. If you’re not, this idea you have might simply be a whim of fancy. If you are, then get ready for your dream to take flight.
Ah, to be alive with possibility. The thrill. The excitement. Life is magnificent.
For many, this is a glorious stage for illuminating opportunities, stimulating new thinking or starting a new venture. You might not have a name for what you want, but there is a feeling newness, of changes in the making. You may reflect for months, just knowing that something is not right. Or perhaps you wake up in the middle of the night and realize it’s time to leave your job and start a business.
For others, it can be an alarming realization that life no longer suits you. To your horror, you suddenly realize your unmovable determination never to play the role of caretaker, caregiver, supporter, helper or organizer again! Everything is out of order and it’s time to make it right. You can no longer tolerate the life you have created.
Regardless of the specifics, what’s common is a heightened sense of self and a vital connection with life.
We have many inspirations throughout our lives. The challenge is in knowing which are true awakenings that speak to a deeper purpose. For me, when I feel a heat running down the back of my neck and charging down my spine, it’s time to listen.
I’ll never forget the first time I was struck with such clarity. It was paralyzing – my body screamed, “You can’t run away from this, I have something you need to know, now!” So I listened. It began my work as a conceptual artist, working on public art events.
When I don’t listen, I get into big trouble and have to take a lot of time making things right again. When I do, amazing things happen. What’s key is that I know – and listen to – the signals.
Think back to a moment or two when you were struck – literally struck – by an awakening that demanded to be heeded. How did your body feel? What was the sensation? As you become more attuned to the power of awakening, your body can be an incredible guide.
So, now you’ve had your awakening. Your world shifts. You are ready to make it happen. You step forward. And sometimes things just fall into place. Sometimes they don’t.
This is when it becomes key for you to know your own process, recognize the signs and honor your stages of growth. Finding and speaking your vision, in an engaging and compelling way, depends on it.