Creating Bravery - Reberb14 - Day 13

Today's prompt comes from the magnificent Marianne Elliott. Marianne lives an extraordinary life as a lawyer, human rights advocate, yoga teacher, writer and restaurateur. If (like me) you might be prone to finding her CV somewhat intimidating, I'd encourage you to read her beautiful memoir Zen Under Fire. At the end of the day, she's just like any of us: finding her way with as much courage and grace as she can.

 

 Marianne writes:


Step one: set the timer for 5 minutes and write down as many answers as you can think of to the question: 'When and how was I brave in 2014?' Note: remember the private, intimate and small ways in which you were brave as well as the big public ways.

Step two: Choose one of more of those moments of bravery and write a letter yourself back at the beginning of 2014, letting you know how brave you are going to be that year.

Step three: Write yourself a short reminder to tuck into your wallet or post above your desk of just how brave you can and will be in 2015.


Dear friends,

So Step 1 was interesting as I racked my brain and came of with a list of 19 things that I considered brave this year.  I hope you can take a moment to write a list for yourself too - I surprised myself with what came up.  On the top of the list was blogging consistently most of year even when sometimes it feels like really putting myself out there.

Step 2. - The Letter...

Dear Christine,

This is a big year, 2014, 

You are starting the year with a bang with the reading of the  First Unveiling of Fall on Jan. 3rd.  A personal spoken word poem you wrote and are being called to perform.  I know your heart will be beating fast as you look out on the packed house at the community theater but you can do it!  You can share this part of yourself even if it's not completely memorized, even if your knees are shaking a little - you can do it!  Who knows maybe someone will even record it so you can revisit it at the end of the year and remember how much fun it was!

Wow! You are just starting your journey to become a certified InterPlay leader in 2014 and I think you will be amazed how you Channel lots of InterPlay energy throughout the year.  I know that it can be scary to show up and be seen.  Especially when you are being vulnerable and whole-hearted.  Know that it is worth it and the connections and friendships you will make this year will expand your heart delightfully.  There will be surprise opportunities that sing to your soul through InterPlay.

Not to ruin the surprise but you even get to perform a time or two ;) - I See You Free &
SoulPrint Players

Photo by Joe Hunt - Alchemy Effigy Burning 2014

 
Oh and you really should consider going to Alchemy this year!  Be brave. It's going to be a great adventure.

Wrapping you around with infinite love and courage,

Christine

p.s.  Here are part of the ornaments created the first year we didn't travel back home for Christmas (2010?) since several members of the family had the flu.  It was a quiet Christmas that included making Sculpty ornaments out of clay - these 4 were made by Joe :)