Where to begin...Silence

I’ve been blessed to live in New York City for over 13 years. Each day I awake to watch the sun warm the brick buildings outside of my window, and I’m still in awe of the energy Manhattan generates. This energy is contagious and once it seeps deep into your bones, well, grand things are bound to happen!

For over ten years, I owned a successful technology-consulting firm, with two other partners. The business was great, the clients fabulous and creative, and the staff hard working. How did I transition from a career in technology consulting to a fabulous, inspiring and fulfilling career as a life, career and business strategist? Well, quite simply, silence.

In my quest for a deeper spiritual connection, I attended a weekend, silent retreat during a snowy February in Connecticut. Up until that point, my experience with silence could be measured within a thimble. Family and friends were wagering how long it would take for me to succumb to the deafening stillness. My anxiety was pretty high ~ not from fear of being silent, but from allowing myself time away to be still and giving myself permission to be silent. It still amazes me how often we don’t see the importance of being gentle and giving to ourselves when in the end it replenishes our spirit and energy to keep giving back to the world.

While on retreat, I had an opportunity to participate in a “Walk With God”. Imagine the serenity of a solitary 30-minutes crunching through snow with the smell of crisp winter air and snowflakes tickling your eyelashes. And somehow, in a blanket of white, I came across a long green pine branch sticking out and pointing to go right. I pulled my compass from the ground, walked around the crimson barn and found my tree. She was magnificent! Her limbs branched outward as if waiting to receive a hug from me. Snow clung to tiny green leaves. I’m not sure how long I stood before her beauty when the words Life Design began to whisper. During the meditation following my walk, images of my tree and the words Life Design, transformation, growth, creativity, abundance, prosperity and coaching swirled.

That night, I journaled like never before. What was I thinking? Who leaves the success and security of an established company to embark on a journey based off a 30-minute walk? But, I knew I didn’t love my job. I knew my job didn’t bring me passion. And I knew my Life’s Dash was meant for something greater!