“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

-- Harold Thurman Whitman

For those of you who were the first subscribers to ‘word of heart,’ it’s been some time since you’ve received a message from me. I apologize for being out of touch, but I’ve been off on a quest to find myself.

My quest revolved around these questions: If I didn’t do what I felt I had to do, then what would I be inspired to do? Who am I really beneath the routines of my life? How would I feel and how would I express myself if I had complete freedom to be and do anything?

And so I gave myself space to rest in the feminine energy of being. For most of this year, in fact, I’ve pretty much done nothing at all. I literally spent weeks just sitting on my deck, watching the birds and squirrels. Waiting for inspiration.

Not doing anything proved to be a daunting challenge. In a world so obsessed with masculine energy, taking even small steps to be rather than do was a trial. Our culture puts so much importance on productivity, and these standards are deeply imbedded in me. My own feelings of guilt and inadequacy and self-indulgence continually pushed me back to the office. I would work for a bit at our business, until my deeper need for authenticity sprung me loose once more.

And yes! Inspiration has surfaced! Though I will continue my journey to the feminine, I’m now inspired to come back to you. I’m reclaiming my original vision for ‘women at heart’ and setting priorities to give time and energy to see the vision realized.

Thanks for your patience. Stay tuned!

~ Patrice

P.S. Jennifer Louden has also realized she needs space. I think you’ll relate to her story next week!

“When the ‘being’ and ‘doing’ dance is in harmony and balance, our creativity is released and we move toward our destiny -- to manifest the true expression of who we are. That is how we honor and serve life -- to become who we are meant to be.”

-- Joyce Irvine