My life has been touched by some uber amazing women whose passion for life and the way they choose to live it have really inspired me. Some are bloggers, some are not, their lives are all different and they are all special. I feel honoured and privileged that they are sharing their stories and sprinkling a little bit of their awesome right here. May you be wom-inspired!
Meet Deb Dane.
I’ve been following Deb on Instagram for a while and love how she follows her heart. She’s super creative, open, honest and real and she chases down her dreams. I love that. She also has a real neat New York accent. I got to meet her in real life last week at Problogger and she is as awesome offline as she is on, only more awesome. Unfortunately, we were too busy hugging to take a photo, but there’s always a next time, right? If you do one thing this week, check out her notes to self on Instagram, they’re just the best! I’m so honoured that she’s taking part in this series because she’s so inspiring.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a 43 year old born-again artist! I honestly feel reborn since reconnecting to my creative side about 2 1/2-3 years ago. It was an awakening on every level.
I am a mother to tween girls and have been home with them for the past 11 1/2 years.
Once I found my way back to creativity I started having clear visions of things I wanted to make and sell related to the writing I had been doing on my blog. It is all related to living with intention and being authentic; loving and accepting yourself as you are and trusting your own inner guidance system.
I am launching my first handmade accessories range in a few months in an online shop.
Tell us 3 things you are and 3 things you’re not.
Complete this sentence, ____________________ changed my life. How and why?
What has been life’s greatest lesson?
Feel the fear and do it anyway- that is what I am living right now. After having kids I admit I lost my sense of real adventure as anxiety took over- wanting to keep them safe, do the “right thing”- and now I am learning that fear will always appear, but the lesson is to not let it stop you from living the life you imagine for yourself.
What is your biggest achievement?
I do think launching my shop will be my greatest achievement regardless of the outcome because this is all me standing on my own two feet, taking something from my head and learning the skills to bring it to life. Even though I have my husband’s support this is all me – no co-creator, no collaboration, no one else standing there win or lose. I have never been on my own in my life so this is the most extreme vulnerability I have ever felt apart from getting on the plane all by myself at age 22 to head overseas.
What has been your toughest obstacle and how have you overcome it?
I gain strength every day. With that strength I rediscover my power and connect with my spirit. From there I take my place in the world.
Viktor Frankl says “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.” Everyone needs a purpose, what’s yours?
We are all connected and deep down the same, yet wonderfully unique- I want us to celebrate that – unique yet connected!
What are your words to live by?
If you could have any mentor, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?
Brene Brown. If I could have her on call I think I could be a force to be reckoned with. Her work is my salve- shame especially is the undermining force holding back so many people (myself included) who feel they are damaged or unworthy. Her books are incredible and on top of it all she seems like the nicest woman and I would love to attend a women’s retreat run by her.
If you could play hookie for a day what would be on your list to do?
I actually try to play hooky at least once a month and I escape to the beach by myself. I walk for an hour or two thinking, collecting sea glass and hearts and treasures, listening to the waves and birds. I bring some writing and / or art supplies with me. I buy coffee and some lunch. My soul is filled and my introvert heart eases as I spend those 4-5 hours alone while my kids are at school. It is a 45 minute drive each way and even if I can only stay for 1-2 hours I do it anyway.
You give so much to others, what do you do to take care of yourself?
Self care is part of my mission so I do many things- those beach visits, buying myself books and magazines I crave, working on my positive self talk, asking for help when I need it, spending time with my family and dogs, investing in kinesiology sessions every 3 -4 weeks for my mind, body and soul.
Thank you for sharing, Deb.
Let inspire you a little bit more…
on the blog
on facebook
on pinterest
on instagram
and on twitter
