All flowers that bloom have to push through a lot of dirt
And hasn’t 2020 provided so much fertilizer? Yet, so many creators, and “flowers” of all variations, have sprouted up in the mix. For those who may be deepening their roots within themselves and still reaching up through the dirt, or just opening into the sunlight, discovering new blooms, I hope we can connect and something I share might resonate.
I got my start in a conservative, prescriptive and highly censored environment. This, in part, fed my curiosity about the former Soviet Union, which I later visited to find eerie similarities —but I will write on that at a later time.
As a child and young adult, learning to pass judgement while simultaneously being trained to be a people-pleaser, I struggled with the hypocrisy as well as the anger and resentment of being stifled. I longed to feel empowered and to “know thyself” apart from all the layers imposed on me. It became a fierce desire to find my voice and experience true integrity.
Along the way, I learned how to win over the self-doubt that plagued me. I identified my values and developed healthy boundaries. Learning and utilizing many methods, including sound and energy work, neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy, I dismantled triggers as I healed trauma. I now gratefully live embodied in the present moment, true to myself, choosing peace and joy. I am able to endure storms and navigate transitions with calm assurance. This has enabled me to serve as an effective change agent.
I didn’t follow a specific spiritual or religious path to achieve this transformation, though I explored and experienced many of them, from around the world. I’ve been very eclectic in my choice of methods, tuning instruments and activities, sources of inspiration, and general order of things, always following my inner guidance. And I’ve been very blessed to notice the special people and messengers in my life helping me along.
Having been bullied, silenced, excluded, misunderstood, overlooked, depressed, addicted, and even suicidal in the past, I developed deep empathy, insights, and a desire to defend, assist, and speak out on behalf of others, as well as a keen appreciation of the impact of being inclusive.
Over the years, I’ve been encouraged to share my stories, that they may offer hope and encouragement to others who could be struggling in similar ways. Given how this year has unfolded so far, there may be those who want more resiliency to navigate dramatic changes and find gratitude for it all. Or who are on a path of increased integrity and transformation. Or who need deepened empathy and compassion for themselves or others as they find their authentic voice. If that’s you, or someone you know, reach out and stay tuned.
Wishing everyone an increased capacity to receive and share life’s many blessings and experience greater wholeness and authenticity!
