You know that feeling of flitting hoards of butterflies that
swarm in your belly when you’re excited or nervous? That’s what I felt whenever
I shared my true self. So I stopped sharing. Today, the fear is still there but it’s
not in control. Fear has kept me safe for forty-five years—I’m ready to be
fearless! This blog is a way to face that fear and make it disappear—being courageous is feeling the
fear and doing it anyway!
My original intention for blogging was to share my journey
of transforming my body: by living, eating, and exercising consciously I’ve
lost fifty pounds and maintained my weight for a year. My What’s Next group helped me see
that this blog was so much bigger than that. I’ve transformed who I am and
I realized that’s the journey I want to share.
During the What’s Next, What’s Now retreat I joyfully sat together with eight
other amazing, creative, talented, vivacious women and we created
vision boards. The purpose of a vision board is be a map or guide to where
you’re going, what it will take to get there, and the sights you’ll see on your
journey. A vision of what you'll create. We used stacks of magazines to tear out words and photos that
resonated with us and let them speak to our souls and lead the way. Wielding glue sticks and with loads of laughter (and snacks) we followed.
My vision board was specifically for my blog, to focus on how
to share authentically. How to make a difference in peoples lives: contributing
in a meaningful way, impacting lives so people are empowered to take action
on their dreams. Being a source of inspiration.
As I trimmed pictures and fit words together it became clear
to me this truly was much more than a blog I was breathing into life. This was
my story. My life. To give, to share, to be open and vulnerable while
connecting with others completes me.
I rearranged the pictures and words several times for the
best fit—until it resonated with me, became uniquely mine, reflected my soul,
and made my heart smile. The same as I’m doing with my words as I write this
now, the same as I have done with my life. It never occurred to me the title of
my blog would be born from my vision board. These words capture my experiences
and the journey I’ve just begun: Hungry for Life!
Beautiful. I’m hungry for more! xo
You rock, Laura. And I love the name–as well as the names of your resource categories!
Laura,
This is beautiful. Everything from your words to the books and movies you share resonate with living a satisfied hunger-free life.
Congratulations and thank you for sharing with us your journey.
Toni Jo
You hit the Mother Lode! I am so proud of you and happy for you! And tickled pink to say I know you! Love your whole new mind!
Carry on!
Cheers~
I’m so glad you decided to share your true self with us and the world. You – and it – are truly beautiful and courageous!!!
Love,
Dawn
Laura, this is so beautiful, so alive, so YOU! I love it and can’t wait to see more.
Thank you for choosing to share yourself–what a gift to the world!
xox,
Sandra
I love you! I’m so proud of you! Thanks for sharing YOU!
xoxo
AA
Laura Laura Allen! What a wonderful blog! I especially like the butterflies. You had yourself wrapped in your cocoon all these years and now you’re out, a beautiful authentic person. Thank you for taking me on your journey!
Lots of love and encouragement!
Rach
Hi Laura,
I *love* the title and your plans for your new blog. I look forward to reading more and cheering you on as you share your wonderful self with the world.
Hugs,
Sus
Laura,
You truly are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing.
♥
Sonja
Laura, you look so wonderful, and always happy in your pics! What a great new adventure for you! Thanks for bringing us along to share it with you…I look forward to staying in touch via your blog!
Awesome! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! P.S. I added you on facebook. Check if you can add me, too.
Hi Laura,
This is wonderful! Congratulations! You GO Girl!
Brava, Laura! Well done! I’m really looking forward to sharing your beautiful soul. 🙂
Alicia
Oh my, I am soaking in all the love. THIS is what sharing authentically is all about: being loved and accepted as you are. I’m teary eyed and grinning from ear to ear! Thank you all for taking the time to show your love and support, it means the world to me…and I’m hungry for more too, Amy! :::smile:::
In Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wise words, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
big hugs to a writer who loves life and wants to share her journey……..taking the leap and learning how to fly….congrats Laura, you did it!!!
Thanks Kath, you’ve truly been one of the people who has been the wind beneath my wings!
love & vugs!
I love reading this, and especially the courage — feel the fear but do it anyways. About sharing authentically, your true self. So inspiring for me, as I learn to let go and just write, share from the heart as you are doing here. I aspire to be “happy and free” in my writing! Just what I needed to hear today. Thank you Laura!
Cheers,
Ruth
Love your comment Ruth, thank you! I’ve received so much positive feedback on writing authentically that now of course I really get there was nothing to be afraid of in the first place! But in the moment fear ‘feels’ real. Do it anyway!
I can’t wait to read your ‘happy and free’ writing about your ‘happy and free’ lifestlye, and I know you’ll inspire so many with your words. But you’ll also find you inspire yourself! 😉
Happy writing!!