Creativity, Music, Art & Women Helping Women!

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

As a creative life coach, I often use quotes that I hope will inspire my clients. Recently I shared this quote with a client, and it made a great impact on both of us. I feel energized, hopeful and filled with possibility each time I read it because, while I may not know how to save the world, I do know what makes me come alive – creativity, music & art!

That’s why I’m so excited about the plans taking shape for my CD release celebration, which I mentioned here a couple of weeks ago . It began with playing the “what if” game (great creative coaching tool that “what if”!) I began thinking of ways the event might become something more than just a night of live music at a smoky club. (well, luckily, the clubs in Dallas aren’t smoky anymore!) “What if” I somehow combined art with my music? What would that look like? What if it became a charitable event? What if it celebrated and helped women? What if?

Here’s where all of that “what-iffing” led – The Infinite Possibility of Women Helping Women – a night of music, art and women helping women around the world!

I’ve always been amazed by the number of talented female artists I have as friends. I may be able to write, record and perform original music, but my artistic attempts are purely therapeutic. You won’t find any of my vision-boards or creative oasis journals in a gallery. But, I have dozens of extremely talented friends who create artistic magic out of thin air (and a little paint or film). Now I’m equally amazed by their generosity. Thirteen artists have agreed to each create and donate an original piece of art inspired by one of the songs on my CD. The night of the CD release celebration (date and place TBD) this artwork will be put up in a silent auction with the proceeds benefiting Women for Women International.

As I’ve never created or facilitated a fundraising event such as this, I have a lot to learn over the coming weeks and months. This is a classic example of “ready, fire, aim!” – but sometimes that's the best way to make something happen – dive in head first and start paddling like crazy. I have the support and wisdom of so many wonderful people, my intuition tells me this is all meant to be! In the coming weeks I'll be posting updates, artist interviews, music and more information about Women for Women leading up to the big event.

Madeleine K. Albright said, “There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.” I’d prefer to think there’s a special place right here on earth for those who do. ~

All the best from my creative oasis to yours,

Jill

So, what’s a Mid-Life Oasis™ anyway?

(as featured on MOREmagazine.com)

The idea of a Mid-Life Oasis™ came to me back when deciding what to name my creative lifestyle coaching business. (www.creativeoasiscoaching.com)

I realized that many women around my age (40-somethingish– give or take a few years) were thinking more and more about the term “Mid-Life” and how it applied to them.  More often than not, when we see the words “Mid-life” –the word “crisis” – follows closely behind (like piece of toilet paper stuck to your shoe – lovely, right?).  

Yet, as I contemplated my own life, I realized that my experience seemed the opposite of a crisis.  It felt more like an oasis.  I had learned to create time and space in my life for the things that truly matter to me and make me feel good.  I was more comfortable in my own skin than I had ever been in my 20’s.  For me, mid-life meant living the life I really wanted to live, being the real, authentic me and making time, even in my busy day-to-day life, for deep, personal satisfaction in mind, body and spirit.   So, how did I manage to find this Mid-Life Oasis ™?

Several years ago, I felt stuck, overwhelmed and a little bitchy a lot of the time.  I began working with a creativity coach, the amazing Jill Badonsky (www.themuseisin.com).  With the help of a supportive,compassionate coach, I began to make time for my love of singing and songwriting again after years away from it.  It opened the window to a creative new way of living a fulfilling life.  And, most surprisingly, it introduced me to my wonderful mid-life career change into a creative lifestyle coach.  Now I have the satisfying role of helping other women discover their own oasis.

I've done a bit of blogging in the past, but recently, while working with my fantastic business coach, Jennifer Moore (www.pinkheels.com) - I've decided to devote more time and energy to it.  (As you can see, I think personal coaches are wonderful and if I were queen everyone would have at least one to help them live their best possible life!)

I believe we can all use some inspiration and encouragement when it comes to creating an oasis in our lives – and that’s what I promise to provide here.  Please feel free to drop me a line and tell me about your mid-life experiences - whether you’re just now beginning to discover your oasis – or you've been happily doing so for some time. When we treat life as our greatest creative expression, we transform our day-to-day existence into a joyful adventure – rich, fulfilling and fun!  I hope you’ll join me. 

All the best from my oasis to yours,

Jill