We all need people in our lives that help spur us on.
Whether in our immediate life or from afar, perhaps, it’s a parent, a sister or a best friend. Or, maybe it’s someone who seems to be in such a lofty position we can only dream of what their lives must be like, and yet they inspire.
Today, I want to share with you four women who’ve inspired me. None of these women found success or happiness without their fair share of struggle. Having turned a corner in my path in recent times, I find inspiration in the choices these women have made, the road less travelled or is it just the sliding door of fate. Or a bit of both?
Finding the courage to choose.
If life is a series of sliding doors, then perhaps it’s helpful to take a peek into the lives of those of us who also stood, staring, worrying and wondering which door to open, which path would lead to success and happiness.
So without further ado, I would like to introduce you to 4 of my favourite women. Women who dared to hang on, keep believing and change course to follow their dreams.
Of course, it would be of no surprise to me if you already know of these women, in which case consider this my little hommage to them rather than an introduction.
Sarah Wilson
Sarah’s story is an inspirational one. An Australian writer and journalist and formerly the editor of the Australian women’s magazine Cosmopolitan, until, in 2008, Sarah found herself at a point in her career where, what once seemed easy and fun, had become complex and out of balance.
For Sarah, life came to a crashing thud following her autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diagnosis. Struggling with an illness with many mysterious and debilitating symptoms and a dream in tatters, Sarah found herself at a turning point or a defining moment in Sarah’s life that would lead to a new way of living.
Sarah’s quest for a healthier, more balanced life, and while experimenting with various ideas to solve her health issues, she stumbled up one thought that struck a chord with her. To give up sugar.
An eager audience and a groundswell of people wanting to follow Sarah’s lead led to the birth of a business. Sarah now has many books published on the subject, and the iquitsugar.com website is a place where you will find the help and support you need if you are thinking of doing the same.
But it’s not just about sugar. Sarah inspires many to change their lifestyle and seek out a more moderate, thoughtful way of living and eating. Sarah’s a success story still in the making.
If you’re looking for meaningful change in both your health and a more mindful and balanced approach to life, then you’ll enjoy what Sarah has to say.
Danielle LaPorte
Danielle Laporte hails from Canada and is a writer. She has inspired many to get on the bus of life and take the proverbial journey. But first, Danielle challenges us to take a moment to think about how we want to feel when we reach our goals.
Is our goal achievement for undefined success, or is it to feel love, joy, abundance and creativity?
How do you want to feel when you’ve attained your goals is the enduring message of Danielle’s work.
Danielle has published two books, the intriguing, thought-provoking book Fire Starter Sessions, a guide to creating success on your terms and The Desire Map, a guide to creating goals with soul. Next time you sit down to write down your goals, maybe jot down your desires first. Maybe, get to know how you want to feel first. Let’s see where that takes us. For me, setting goals in this way brings clarity.
I’m one of those people that wait for signs. I wait for the right opportunity, not through a sense of entitlement, no, more out of fear of making the wrong decision.
I get myself down to the bus stop of life, and I wait, and I wait.
Finally, the bus arrives, I sing hallelujah, but then, I stand there, hesitating. Do I get on this bus?
Is this the right bus? Or is there another one coming along that will get me to where I want to go?
What if I don’t like the final destination? Want more inspiration with soul? But rarely do I ask myself how I want to feel? It’s a great question and worth exploring. You’ll find Danielle and her soulful books here.
Carla Coulson
Carla lives in France and has made a living from her passion for photography. I’ve retold Carla’s story many times to anyone who cares to listen. It’s the dream many of us share but rarely dare to act.
For Carla, after many years as a very successful businesswoman living in Sydney, Australia, she found herself wondering, as we all are apt to do at some point. Is this all there is?
Many months of unhappiness and unease passed until one night, a single moment of sameness came crashing down, and a realisation that it was not the life she’d built was not the success she hoped for despite a successful business. It was time to change.
Happiness comes in so many guises, and again it’s not always in the place where we thought or planned it to be. Most of us never dare to do this. Carla did! With this moment of clarity, Carla took action and transformed her life.
Carla now lives the life she dreamed of and, after picking up a camera while in Italy, found her true passion, photography, along with the love of her life.
Life really can take you in the direction you hoped for if you can find the courage to follow the path you didn’t think you could.
The very talented Carla Coulson is an accomplished photographer and has many books in print, showcasing her life and art.
Megan Hess
I love the illustrations of Megan Hess and was delighted to meet her at a recent Harper’s Bazaar event. Megan’s illustrations’ sheer elegance and beauty inspire and transport me, usually to somewhere in Paris.
Megan’s story is not the overnight success you might assume. Despite outward appearances, it’s rarely like that.
For Megan, the call came back in 2006, just when Megan thought she couldn’t design another pizza box cover, and then the call came. Candace Bushnell’s (Sex and the City) publisher got in touch. The literary world had finally noticed Megan’s passion and fashion illustrations. Candace Bushnell’s next novel One Fifth Avenue was to be illustrated by Megan.
This pivotal moment of success led to working with Tiffany & Co. Channel, Dior, Cartier, Vanity Fair; the list goes on, and a dream comes true. But perhaps one of Megan’s proudest moments has come in recent times when asked to be the creative patron for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
Megan is a true inspiration, and if you too need a little bit of beauty in your day, you can find all of Megan’s work here. Megan has also published her book, Fashion House.
Writing about these four fabulous women and reflecting on their lives is affirming. Is it time to consider making bold choices in life? Making plans that collide with desires, but all the while having the courage to veer off if needed. Most importantly, these women remind us of the great rewards that come from being courageous, trusting in yourself, being in the moment, engaged and present, and when the ‘opportunity bus’ rolls on in, get on. You never know.
See you next time,
