Power of self-expression
Embrace wild and free
Let her inner child
Believe in her wildest dreams.
A poem from a book I published called Dear Diary – Finding the light in the dark a journey through poetry.
June 2021, Book Launch with Natalia Fareti (MC), Wellington.
In 2014 I had many reasons to be happy, great job, circle of friends and family but I started to notice things didn't feel quite right. I lost a sense of joy so I started to journal my thoughts and feelings to navigate as I wasn't able to articulate what was going on for me.
You see, people will advise you to talk to someone but in all honesty most of the time it’s the last thing you do. Because it’s hard enough admitting to yourself what might be going on, especially when you don’t understand the bubble you find yourself in that feels like it's slowly closing in on you.
Through the process, I discovered poetry and between 2014- 2017. I created four collections.
Mosaics Pieces – when life felt like shattered glass, beautiful scattered pieces
Grand Picture in View – when the fog in my mind started to lift, only just!
Drop, me a beat – started to feel more playful, reconnecting with joy and love of rap.
Random – inspired by color, natural elements, conversations that sparked creativity.
The book became a tribute to the highs and lows of life, many of us feel at stages. Upon release of my book, I realised how much I love freedom. Freedom to express, choose to be, do what I want, when I want and with whom I want. My joy and pocket of happiness, a core value set, that drives me and how I approach life.
You may remember in last week’s article I had a big lofty question “Why do I do, what I do?” a lot to unpack (still) as I journey through this passage of time. However when I think about Dear Diary, the intention behind it was to give hope, encouraging others to embrace their own personal journey, finding their freedom of expression, as there are no rules to creativity, nor a rule book for life.
Approaching life with ‘freedom' at the centre started to appear again around 2019, after watching minimalist documentary and Marie Kondo (spark joy) on Netflix. Fascinated by the idea of only having in your possession what you need and use everyday made complete sense, the concept of not having ‘stuff' clicked into place and burden lifted.
July 2019 in the middle of winter, I moved to Wellington with two 23kg suitcases and backpack, beginning of minimalist lifestyle and it’s been the best thing!
My message of adaptability was born. It got me thinking of how I’ve approached my career, working in several sectors (Finance, Manufacturing, Utilities, Education with Technology mixed in) from customer service to senior leadership.
A key guide for me is trusting the process and self to move with confidence (adaptive mindset) no matter what, which is easier said than done.
Smiling, albeit slight overwhelm in 40 degree heat!
Overtime I created the D.R.I.V.E framework that enables me to bring a fresh energy and perspective to change (inspired by freedom) or when experiencing something new. For example when exploring the beautiful city of Perth for the first time yesterday. Taking in the sights, street art, architecture and a chance to get an overall feel and vibe of the place as I slowly figure out where I might land next. Taking pictures (incl. selfies) my souvenirs. At one point in my walkabout I found myself fully lost, started to feel a slight creep of overwhelm.
I had to pause, take a beat with positive self-talk to guide me in an unfamiliar place. Applying my D.R.I.V.E framework, I remembered the reason why I created it was to enable effective decision making, encourage critical thinking, sense check (calm) and embrace curiosity, moving forward with courage.
D for Determination: Find yourself at a crossroads or unfamiliar situation? Ask yourself how determined you need to be in that moment then decide to either pause or proceed.
R for Redirection: I don't believe in rejection. Through lived experience I know not all doors or rooms are meant for you and whatever is meant for you will always arrive on time. Ultimate test of faith and resilience no matter how bad you think you want something.
I for Insight: This is insight for foresight, you make a decision based on information on hand. Assess info, take action, learn from it and pivot. We're not trees we can move.
V for Vibe: Personal favorite just like the doors and rooms mentioned above, not all places or people are for you and vice versa. Don't feel a good vibe? Then move on, maybe just a timing thing. My advice would be to not stay or stand in a place too long, as it'll slowly chip away at your confidence (we need this!), take away your shine and you won't even notice.
E for Energy and Enthusiasm: If you’ve made a decision and it doesn’t give you energy or you don't feel enthusiastic (after giving it a go). Then go back to D for determination to collect self to either pause and/ or proceed. You can jump into any other letters as framework is meant to be versatile and adapt in itself.
With my coaching tools, techniques and D.R.I.V.E framework. It doesn’t mean I don't get anxious or worry about things, as I am human. It gives me a way to cope, not dwell and snap out of things quicker in situations that are new, aren't aligned or serving a purpose. The framework best described as taking a deep breath in to calm mind and sharpen thoughts before entering the arena of life again.
So what letters did I use from D.R.I.V.E when momentarily lost in city? I used D for Determination deciding to proceed (rather than pause) and solider on in 40degree heat nonetheless, reassuring myself I can deal with any situation as and when I come across it. I also picked V for Vibe – taking note of places and areas that were buzzing/ felt good whilst other streets/ places that didn't have foot traffic to be vigilant with my South Auckland spidey senses kicking in ha!
Closing thoughts based on adventures this week - life is not linear, we're all trying our best. Remaining positive, open to explore, seek and create opportunities. A reminder of the power of self-expression because there are “no rules to creativity, nor a rule book for life'
Until next time.
Speak soon,
Zee
Move with Change | Move with Confidence
