Finding Inspiration

Everyday we are presented with opportunities which can inspire. The deal is, we never know from where that little morsel will come. One sentence from a book, a friend, a radio program, or a TV station could be that spark that will change the path we are traveling. It does behoove us to pay attention.

For the past several years I have been announcing to the world that I help others find their own authentic voice. I guide professionals towards listening and finding that voice within, the voice which is that persons special true essence.  In our work together we explore the path towards standing tall to confidently embrace that physical, mental and emotional self that makes each of us who we are.

That said, I have spent many years observing and questioning myself, asking that same question. Who am I really? I have been fortunate to travel and live in many different places. Each transition has presented a challenge which has required introspective exploration into that very question. Who am I? Searching! Endless searching, pausing, breathing, again and again.  Always asking, what is authentic? For me the beauty of that question and the pursuit of an answer is that the adventure of life is always changing and the answer may be different and the same all at once. Pondering it reminds me of my son’s statement as a Senior in his high school yearbook. He said he was “looking for the end of the circle.” Part of this quest involves looking out into the world, always watching for and expecting inspiration.

In my heart and soul, I am a singer. Making sound and communicating in that way has always been a large part of my authentic voice. I have been fortunate to have had many glorious years of communicating with song. For the past few years the outlet for my favorite singing has not been an option and the grief process has been long and at times, rather painful. None-the-less, the searching, pausing, breathing, contemplating habit has continued on. As Lisa Nichols, a life coach, speaker and author said in an interview, we must be “our own rescue”. Again, we are ever looking, watching, and listening for inspiration.

Is there a person on earth who has not loved Julie Andrew’s magnificent singing and The Sound of Music? I remember walking across some hills in Freiburg, Germany; I was walking from town to my voice lesson over the hill.  It was a sunny day; the landscape glowed. Being all alone and appreciating all the beauty, I burst into song. “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” How fun, that spontaneous burst of joy and song! It still makes me smile.

Julie Andrews has grown older with grace and charm.  In a recent documentary celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the making of The Sound of Music, she spoke briefly about the experience of losing her voice  through a debauched surgical procedure. I will admit when I first heard about her misfortune I felt as if a dagger had been plunged into my own heart and soul. I wondered how she could ever continue, never to sing as she once had. Never more would she create those high bird-like tones. In recent years she has written several children’s books, collaborating very successfully with her daughter. She explained while addressing this ongoing grief and pain, that she had, indeed, been very depressed as she joined her daughter in the writing. Finally, her daughter very wisely said, “Mom, you still have your voice.  You are only expressing it in a different way.” Eureka! Does she ever still wish she could sing those lilting notes? Yes! But, as she said, with a sweet smile, “I am old now and I wouldn’t be singing them anyway. Would I like to be able to sing that high note? Yes, I would!”

I was inspired with that statement. Life moves on and if we are lucky we continue to search, pause, breathe, and grow by listening to that authentic voice within.  There is still much communicating and work to be done.  Thank you, Julie Andrews, for that inspirational moment.