“The Universe is made up of stories, not atoms”
Muriel Rukeyser was an American poet and activist writing about science, politics and history and also the violence and injustices that she witnessed. She felt that it was her duty to give voice to ‘enforced silences’ and she gained an international reputation for speaking out.
Contemplating the message in this quote and reading some of her poems I am reminded that more than ever speaking our truth ‘out loud’ is really important. Speaking our truth, working hard to stay congruent and to not to be swept away in the tides of social media, or the main stream media narratives of the day is a massive challenge.
We have to stay true to our beliefs and values, ensuring that we do those small things each day that give us hope, comfort and that nourish us on all levels.
Image via Unsplash “WE ARE ALL MADE OF STORIES”
What is important to you at the moment? Are you learning something new or finding another way of working? Maybe starting something that stretches you at work, or you have found a new interest or passion? Or are you rekindling something that you used to love, something that you had forgotten brings you those precious moments of joy?
I have been busy these last few months writing and creating some new content. I have also really enjoyed some new courses, learning different ways of working and I have been challenging myself on many levels.
As we evolve and develop especially through mid life and menopause we have to find a very delicate balance.
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do”
Brene Brown
Expressive and free painting by me in April on a lovely course held by the talented @antoniaclare_art
In a quest to find more balance and expression I went on a painting course recently. This painting was the one that I did first that afternoon and it was all about stepping way outside my comfort zone. Painting freely without much thought or consideration, except for the colours I chose. Embracing the feeling of the different tools on the paper and creating bold movements and so for me this was all about letting go.
Letting go is also a big life lesson and one I find difficult to do. As a very visual person I like to see my things, know where my things are and keep an ‘order’ and organisation to my ‘things’ - SO much to unpack there I feel, can anyone else relate?
This is right across the board at the moment too as I am also working on changing our lifestyle for a while.
Stepping far outside our comfort zones as we are going to do some volunteering in Central America. We are going to work on a farm up in the mountains in El Salvador for a few weeks and then we are going to travel to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. We also then plan to spend some time living and working in Australia and connecting back in to that side of the world for a while. Life is very short and so we decided at the end of last year that we wanted to have an ‘adult gap year’. It will evolve and grow I am sure and so we are slowly putting everything in place in order to facilitate this.
Walking my talk
In these next few months then I will continue to learn from my amazing clients, I do have some capacity if you feel that your own coach may be of use to you at the moment.
I also look forward to hosting some more workshops and day retreats. A collaboration is on the cards later this Summer (details soon) along with a workshop in North Norfolk and a day retreat in Leicestershire. I would love to welcome you along.