Aspire Magazine: Inspiration for a Woman's Soul.(TM) Aug/Sept 2016 Aspire Mag Full Issue | Page 77

I asked God for something. Anything to help. After reading the book, A Gift of a Year, I decided I wanted to try painting and writing. I hadn’t done either since grade school, but the thought gave me hope and made me look forward to waking up. In my in-box popped an email from Shiloh Sophia announcing a six month painting and writing mentorship program. A sign. CREATIVITY SAVED ME I had no idea what I was doing, but I didn’t care. I was doing something for me. I felt alive for the first time in a long time. During the program, nap time became my time. I painted. I wrote. I dreamed. I grew. I learned. I rewrote the I’m not creative story I had been telling myself for 30 years. After a year of holding circles and small workshops, I wanted more. I wanted to grow. I KNEW BETTER I’m ashamed to admit it, but like a teenager, I believed I could do better on my own. I decided to go somewhere else for support. I stepped away from my creative community and hired a coach, entering the world of business. I was wayyyyyyyyy out of my comfort zone. I learned this other way of sharing my work in the world. I learned how to host online events for thousands of people and hold sales conversations. LIFE WAS TOO SHORT NOT TO LIVE THE WAY I WANTED. After months of creativity, I was reborn. I had reconnected with spirit. I saw the glimmer of a bigger vision, a dream. Most importantly I had stopped living in martyrdom blaming my husband and kids for my unhappiness and started living a life that brought me joy. Painting and writing were my healing practices and every day I grew stronger. I remember the day I called myself an artist. I learned how to create 1-on-1 clients and fill a group program. I was successful and miserable. After a year I decided I felt strong enough to help others. I gathered 6 women in my home and held my first woman’s circle. I felt like I was passing something on, some healing. I had taken my coach’s teachings and had grown successful in business but hadn’t listened to her coaching on how to create a life alongside my business. I was driving LEARNING THE HARD WAY 77 HEALTH & WELLNESS Seven years ago I was a stay-at-home mom who had completely lost herself in her kids. My husband was traveling for business and my days revolved around feedings, changing and playdates. I knew something was wrong when I didn’t want to get out of bed anymore.