Stevie Nicks, Self-Expression and Success: Why Authenticity Matters Most
What is success?
When I think of success I think of being totally at one with yourself. Living from the place where there is zero separation between who you are in your soul and who you are out in the world. Healed. Whole. Full of light and comfortable in your own skin.
Oftentimes we hear words like “healed”, “authentic” or “whole” and we see a guru on a meditation pillow, saying very little. I’d like to suggest that there is much more juice in a healed, whole, person. Someone who is comfortable in her body -- em-bod-ied. She isn’t self-conscious about this ugly part here or this flabby part there; she embraces the whole of who she is.
A woman who’s wholly and unapologetically herself doesn't mean she’s small, quiet, meditating in the corner all day. Rather, she is empowered, speaks her truth from a place of love, which only serves to further heal and activate others.
1960’s Stevie Nicks: a role-model for authenticity and success
In my interview for the Aray + Sabrina Show, I was asked who my role model of success was.
My answer?
Stevie Nicks.
I don’t know Stevie personally, but as a rock icon, I think she has fully embraced herself--if only on the stage. Stevie is graceful yet full of confidence and power. Her presence commands attention, yet the mystery that she carries makes you long for more. She is magnetic because she is wholly herself. A woman inside of her purpose, healing the world simply by being herself. Her whole, authentic self.
A simple look at her lyrics and you can feel the heartbeat of her soul. This type of writing can only come from your belly. (Which is what I teach -- writing from your gut, rather than your head. More on that here.)
Is love so fragile
And the heart so hollow?
Shatter with words
Impossible to follow
Sayin' I'm fragile
Try not to be
I search only . . . somethin' I can't see
I have my own life
And I am stronger than you know
But I carry this feelin'
When you walked into my house
That you won't be walkin' out the door
Still I carry this feelin'
When you walked into my house
That you won't be walkin' out the door
--from Leather and Lace, by Stevie Nicks
Authenticity through Writing
When we write from the depths of who we are, we brush off some of the dust that has settled on our soul. It is useful to regularly cultivate the earth within ourselves, so fresh nutrients can make space for beautiful things to take root.
In the coming and going of everyday life we can easily become stagnant or hardened. Just like the soil of the earth -- our hearts also need rest, release, replenishing and nurturing each in its own perfect season. Trust the inner nudge pointing you toward these things. That’s your heartbeat’s wisdom.
What do we crave beyond success?
Aray and Sabrina also asked me what I would want most out of life besides money and success.
My answer?
Self-expression.
Because I believe self-expression is the vehicle to our authenticity. When we live our authentic truth we experience our own personal freedom. This is something that can’t be achieved without YOU.
Feeling expressed is not something that depends on external circumstances, other people’s opinions or the mask you put on in the morning. This is allowing your soul to pour forth -- up and out of you -- in whatever way you choose, which allows for healing, wholeness and fulfillment. I love success and I love money, but given the choice, I'll always choose fulfillment first.
Why?
Because I have worked jobs in which I was highly successful and well paid.
I’ve worked jobs where I was highly successful and barely paid.
I've also created work that is highly fulfilling and barely paid.
The worst feeling in the world for me is to come home at the end of the day and feel like the magic is still in my heart -- I didn't get to let it out; in fact, I stuffed it down today; and that hurts worse than not having ample amounts of money or recognition.
The worst feeling in the world is the ache in your heart that happens from not allowing your true self to be seen, heard and acknowledged.
Self-expression is letting your authenticity out into the world; from a place of wholeness, love and light.
How to uncover your own authenticity: a 5-minute writing exercise
Grab a piece of paper and a pen. Write out a list of all of your favorite things. Anything that brings you joy or lights up your inner-self. (For example: my list might include 1960’s rock bands, loose leaf tea and sitting on my front porch.) Jot down all of your most favorite things -- smells, tastes, activities, textures...whatever comes to mind! Set your timer for 5 minutes and let ‘er rip! Don’t stop writing until the timer goes off. You may be surprised what comes up if you keep moving your pen!
After your five minutes are up, read your list outloud but put “I am” in front of each thing you listed.
For example: “I am a glass of chianti every evening. I am Joe Walsh’s guitar playing on a black and white video.” Go all the way down your list and write or say “I am” in front of all your favorite things.
Note how you feel afterward.