“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” ~ Neil Gaiman
Thanks to you, and to some wise and loving friends, I’ve been pushed to a major realization in the past few days. Hilariously (oh, I know you’ll relate to this) it was something other people (friends, husband, family, clients, students, dogs, Aunties, Guides, practically the entire Universe) had been telling me for years. I just hadn’t been ready to hear it yet.
That’s the thing I love about lightbulb moments. I’m always telling my clients this – and it holds true for me, and for you, and for everyone we know too.
You have to get that realization for yourself. YOU need to have that lightbulb come on in your head, to pay attention to that dawning realization and own it with every cell of your body – so that it becomes your truth, rather than simply a concept that you carry around without relating to or truly understanding.
Know what I mean?
Suddenly something inside you lights up and you think, ‘Oh, I get it now!’. And you really do.
Anyway, my realization was about writing, but what I’m going to share counts for all of us. Because it’s true.
We need your voice in the world.
For me, my ‘voice’ is about writing. I love to write, even more than that I’m driven to write, and have been since I was a little girl. But what to write?
I’ve tried lots of things on for size. Corporate writing, ghost writing, poetry (less said about that the better) and novels.
As I’ve agonized over most of that fiction or professional writing for others, I’ve churned out millions (yep, millions) of non-fiction words about my life, my experiences, spirituality, recipes and my psychic experiences. But I never called that writing, and I never considered that it counted.
So now, as I’m sitting on the cusp of a true second chance at life, I feel the gravity of my choices. I don’t want to blow this. What do I choose to pour my still limited energy and boundless passion into?
The choice is clear.
And a little (God, if I’m honest it’s pants-wetting material) terrifying.
I need to write from my heart about the things that only I can tell. You see only I can write about my experiences in the Kimberley, only I can write about what it’s like to wake up on your thirtieth birthday and discover that you can see auras, only I can write about fairies and pirates and the mystical and epic journey of two children who must become who they are, at great odds, rather than walking the known path.
Only me.
And yesterday I made a start. I even took a photo, for posterity. That’s my friend, busily editing her current manuscript, and my computer, seat vacant for a moment while I make us another cup of tea to wash down all those lollies we’d been eating. 🙂
So, I’m starting with my Kimberley Story.
But how about you?
There are things that YOU do, things that you know, things that only you can put out into the world in your particular way.
There will always be people who’ll dive right in and add more to the pile of what’s already being done. That’s okay too, because that’s how we learn.
The stories inside you, the dress patterns, the garden designs, the music, the ideas, the healing, the science, the teaching, the innovations, the dreams and desires – they are yours alone and you have them for a reason. You are the mother or father to these energies, and it is up to you to birth them into the world, or they can never exist and be shared with others.
And our world will be the poorer for that.
So today I’m asking you to join me. The world’s a crazy place right now. We urgently need more of the good stuff, the authentic stuff. All of us have the ability to add a tiny chink of our special magic to this life; and the thing we bring into being will help others in some way, sparking off more authenticity and magic, because that’s how this whole crazy interconnected Universe works.
You don’t even need to know what your ‘thing’ is just yet. All you ever need to do is have that open questing heart that asks the question and then waits for the answer.
The answer always comes.
And usually those around you have been shouting it for years before you finally blink your sleepy eyes open and see that beautiful truth for yourself.
What is the story that only you can tell?
Maybe it’s time…
YES!!! I am celebrating your lightbulb moment – may it light the way for you and many others (including me!) to your/their path and truth. Oh I am drooling in anticipation for the Kimberley story in its printed form. Luck and love xxx
Oh I am so excited for you to write and publish the Kimberly stories. We are all behind you 1000%. I am sure your faithful followers would want to buy just about anything you would care to publish Nicole! You are a great and inspiring person and I continue to be delighted and amazed by you.
Yay! Your beautiful Kimberley stories, that’s right, no-one can write them like you! We’ll all look forward to joyously thumbing through the pages when they’re bound in a beautiful book. Go girl! x
Yes. I have been thinking exactly the same thoughts for the past week! I write, I love to write, I am good at writing: but what kind of writing? Novels? Nooo too long. Poetry? Yes always for fun, but what else? Blogging? Yes. Articles? Yes. I know that one of my special skills is truth speaking: I can see to the heart of the matter and communicate that clearly. Sounds like a good journaling topic for this week! Can’t wait to read about your Kimberley story!
Thank you Nicole. I ask myself too what am I doing here in this world. I really don’t know. All I do looks like being meaningless. Many things I did helped me a little to improve my mobility or other circomstances but that’s not the reason I’m here. I can do a lot of various things but I’m not GOOD in anything. So I do many things as good as I can and I forgive myself.
I appreciate your writing very much. You are really a light of the world
Coincidence – me too and I just blogged about it yesterday! Yay for us!
It’s been over a year that I have been reading your blog ,Nicole , and I am sure you are’ heaven sent’ . You have given me a burst of enthusiasm , a sharp shake of reality …it’s like having the spring sunshine in words . I have something to write that only I know about and this year is the year I shall do it… thank you… and good luck with yours… can’t wait to read it .
Cherry x
Oops, love…..must be a sign…lol
Yay for you Nicole. We obviously live reading about you and your stories, particularly the kimberley stories. We will be looking forward to your book. Much love and inspiration. Xxx
love to you Nicole, looking forward to buying a signed copy! xox
Good for you! Go for it!
I look forward to buying your Kimberley story when published
Insightful as always – at 41 also wondering what I will be when I ‘grow up’. I am especially intrigued by the copy of Black Adder on the desk next to your friend. Can’t wait to see your posts.
Thank You. You really are a massive inspiration.
This is beautiful. I’ve been doubting about writing some things lately, but you’re right. It’s a story only I can tell. Thank you for the inspiration and I’m glad you’ve found your voice too. 🙂
Brilliant and spoke right to my heart. Love and blessingsxx
So much joy, smiles and love for the epiphany you have had. I am so glad to read the direction your words are going in. xoxo
That is so true. You are so right. I have just turned 50 and I know there is something that I am meant to do but I just can’t find it yet. It is almost like I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Congratulations Nicole, on finding your voice, on your lightbulb moment. I can’t wait to start buying your stories xox
Oh my goodness what a great post
Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic!! Everyone wins. Sending you so much love dear Nicole xxx
Thank you for always seeming to post just the right thing at just the right time.
I am so glad your starting with your Kimberley story!