2015 was unlike any other year in my professional life. I decided to take a sabbatical this past year to open the next level of vision for my life and career. I was still working throughout the year, but I wasn’t in the go-go-go mode that I had become accustomed to. I had reached a point in my business where I didn’t have to work to generate new sources of income. I was making more than enough money to rest and enjoy what I had created and listen for the deeper calling of my purpose.
As I reflected on the year, which was unlike any other, I learned things that surprised, frustrated and delighted me. To honor, celebrate and embrace the journey of this year I put together my Top 10 Lessons of 2015. I hope this inspires you to reflect on your year and receive the lessons gifted to you this year.
Lesson #1: Make space for deeper listening
If we want deeper answers we have to be willing to make space for deeper listening. My career had reached a certain level of success and I knew if I was to go to the next level I had to listen in a deeper way. I needed to deepen the inner roots to support the next level of outer expansion. I also knew I didn’t know what the next level of expansion was, but I wanted to find out. With some initial resistance I finally allowed myself the time and space to simply listen.
Lesson #2: Signs show up when you ask for them
Making the commitment to make space for deeper listening gave me the opportunity to receive answers in a deeper way. To my surprise, and initial frustration, the answers didn’t come in a straightforward “do this” kind of way. Answers to my deeper questions came in the form of poetic clues, signs, symbols and guideposts of inspiration. I learned to spot the clues and receive the messages they were offering me. My ability to trust the way the universe is speaking with me amplified this year. I realized my poetic view of the world is in fact a language and an active conversation that I am having with the universe.
Lesson #3: My Inner Child is a valuable member on my Business Team
I connected with my Inner Child this year in a much more loving, appreciative way. I realized she is the source of my magical thinking. She is the source of my innocent heart. She holds the key to the creative realm I call Heartland. This year I learned to honor my Inner Child. By creating space for deeper listening I actually created space for her to breathe. As my Inner Child felt the oxygen of my support, she has been able to open my imagination in exponential ways. I have officially appointed my Inner Child a special role on my Business Team. She is the Princess of Magical Thinking.
Lesson #4: Imagination is more important than knowledge
You can’t argue with a genius! Einstein said it best, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” This was the year I invited the Princess of Magical Thinking to take me on a Vision Quest. I dreamed into worlds that warm my heart and inspire my soul. My imagination has been setting the soil for this coming year. I feel like the dream-space where I’ve been harboring is beginning to awaken.
Lesson #5: I speak Soul Art
Although I’m fluent in English it is not my first language. Speaking the language of Soul Art is what makes the most sense to me on all levels of my being. I’ve always spoken the creative language of my soul, but this year I lifted any traces of guilt and shame about this. I released the need to justify, or make logical sense out of my creative visions, ideas and insights. My level of trust in my naturalness increased this year because I said “It’s okay to be different”, and “It’s okay to think what I think, feel what I feel and express myself in the ways that makes sense to me.”
Lesson #6: I am a sacred space creator
This year I created sacred space for myself and thousands of others. While I was on my sabbatical this year I also led 2 Global Events, International Soul Art Day and the nü Icon Movie. I led 3 live workshops in my studio, 2 nü Icon Movie Intensives and a Soul Art Shaman Workshop. I led 2 virtual year-long programs, my Soul Art Certification Program and the nü Icon Program. As I gave myself permission to go deeper into my own sacred space of listening I also created sacred space for others to go deeper into their listening as well. I learned that what we can give to ourselves is what we can give to others.
Lesson #7: I love people
Throughout my life my biggest challenges have revolved around connecting with people. When I was growing up I was very shy and afraid of connecting with people. In High school I developed acne which isolated me because I felt ashamed of anyone looking at me. In my early adult life I struggled with making money, and sharing my gifts with people. As I’ve been able to move through each of these challenges I’ve been able to open another layer in my heart towards people. This year I was challenged again to open my heart in a deeper way in order to connect with people. Some difficult situations arose that required some uncomfortable communication. I was able to move through these situations and find a new place in my heart where I can say “I love people”.
Lesson #8: Intimacy is the greatest gift
My relationship with Kevin Thom has been the source of the greatest love, joy, soul-nourishing fulfillment and creative expression. Kevin is my creative soul-mate. He is also the photographer of all the images on this page, as well as the photographer of the nü Icon Movie. Kevin and I first met during an interview on my radio show over ten years ago. I was interviewing him about his incredible photography. Since then we’ve experienced so much together. This year I let myself really recognize the gift of this beautiful relationship. Our intimacy is my most treasured experience this year!
Lesson #9: I love the media
I was reminded of how much I love being in the media! I hosted and produced my own radio show ‘The Artist’s Lifestyle’ on 93.3. FM CFMU for over 10 years. When I left the radio show over 5 years ago I didn’t know how much of a hole this would leave in my life. I have done many telesummits and on-line events since, but there is something about the main-stream media that has been missing from my life. This year, I was invited to be on Shaun Proulx’s radio show on Sirius XM. I was instantly reminded of how much I love the media. I love the microphone, the sacred space of an interview and the awareness of an audience listening. The media tapped on my heart this year and I feel a door opening for more media in 2016.
Lesson #10: I know what my real work is
In the early stages of growing my business I felt my purpose was to create a profitable, sustainable business expressing my unique creative gifts. I believed if I could make money being myself I would have realized my purpose. It’s a funny thing when you get what you ask for because you suddenly realize there is so much more. I have been able to create a thriving business being myself, expressing my unique creative gifts and making sustainable income in the process. Now I realize my real purpose is to be open to the ongoing journey, to be curious about the clues that show up and graciously receive the opportunities that present themselves, and have the gumption to create my own opportunities based on what inspires me. My real work is to be on the journey and receive the gifts along the way.
I hope my Top 10 Lessons of 2015 inspired you to reflect on your year and harvest the gifts you’ve received this year.
What has 2015 taught you?
What have you learned about yourself this year?
What happened this year that opened you in new ways?
What will you take from this year as you step forward into 2016?