I was volunteering at a transitional home for women. The lady I was working with was getting out of prison in a few weeks. Even though we had talked many times, I still felt we had not connected. It was as if there was a wall between us. I asked what her plan was upon re-entering society. She did not have one. She had no goals, no vision, and no inspiration.
To help her gain some clarity and sense of direction, I asked what she enjoyed doing while growing up. She couldn’t answer. I asked what she would do if she had unlimited financial resources and the freedom to do whatever she desired. We sat in silence. Finally she came up with an idea. And then another.
I asked her to put her thoughts into a story. She started slowly, but eventually the words flowed. It was obvious they were from her soul, and not her head. She was telling her story with so much detail, I could actually visualize it myself.
At first she tried to fight the tears, but realized it was useless. She cried, laughed, and simply connected with her soul. She said over and over it was the best feeling she had experienced and had never connected with herself in such a way. She said she actually had feelings of hope.
Her changed attitude was truly an inspiration and a gift for my soul.
(We often forget to really listen to the hopes and dreams of others, and even ourselves. Sometimes just listening to the heart of someone else can inspire them to achieve new heights. And it’s amazing what it can do in our own lives as well. — Toni)
Lisa Ralph
Chief Inspiration Officer, Empowerment Coach, Cheerleader for Change
Crimson Phoenix Coaching
http://www.rewriteyourstory.com
