An estimated 3,000,000 people marched in Paris on Sunday.
Why? Because some guys with pens drew some pictures that some people didn’t like.
That’s the simple version. Granted, it is a complex issue with many factors competing for attention.
What we can say is that, for hundreds of thousands of people, coming out of the house on a Sunday afternoon is an effort worth taking to support freedom of expression.
As well, a massive outpouring of grief, sadness, and solidarity.
Linda Hough ‘In Honor of Liberty, Fraternity, Equality` [Visual Journal Page] 2015
But what does this have to do with you directly?
How many times have you held back what you wanted to say or do because you were afraid someone’s opinion or reaction?
How many times have you not expressed yourself out of fear?
In one of the groups I belong to, there was a long discussion about how often this happens. Especially for women.
Remember the witch trials? Many of us have ancestral memories of having been killed for our healing abilities, our creative expression, claiming our independence etc. History is rife with such examples.
You may not know exactly where your fear comes from but you know it is stopping you.
The primary reason I created the Shine Your Light Tele-Summit several years ago now was to empower women’s expression. I invited 13 successful women and 1 man to share tools that we could use to come out of the shadows and shine our lights according to the Marianne Williamson quote*.
How has your life changed since then?
I admit that much of my own journey has been about walking the line between safety and putting my creative expression out into the world.
So far, I’ve been siding more towards safety.
But after this week, I can no longer hide behind any fear I may feel.
It’s time to fully embrace my purpose.
Linda Hough [Visual Journal Page] 2015
Since I was little, I’ve been captivated by beauty and inspiration. The visual journaling that I’m now doing has enabled me to rediscover this passion as I shared with you last week.
I’m only now grasping what a powerful tool it is.
I’ve uncovered many aspects of myself that were hiding out, in fear of showing up in real life.
But through my journal pages, I’m seeing how much this has cost me. I’m no longer willing to pay the price of sadness, frustration, or even anger at unconsciously keeping the whole of myself at bay.
Now you don’t have to either.
Linda Hough [Visual Journal Page] 2015
If you’ve been feeling not at all satisfied with your life as it is right now,
If you’ve been holding back your passion or purpose, or aren’t even sure what they are,
If you’ve been missing your creative voice or want to find it in the first place,
I invite you to join me for your very own private workshop: Creating Your Life Through Visual Journaling
Click here or on the WORKSHOP tab in the Menu bar for all the glorious details.
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* “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
– Marianne Williamson