All of Me, No Regrets!
Who all are we as individuals? Are all of us single-focused? Is it easier and more effective that way? Maybe, but what if we don’t do too well when we don’t prioritize something that’s really important and exciting to us, even for a season? What if we’re “wired” to do more than one thing, and do them well? And, what if after we try that one thing we really, really wanted to try, we absolutely love it? Should we continue? Can we find places in our lives for exciting things, or just the grind? AND, just because we’re getting older, does it mean that excitement is no longer possible? As an RN, singer-songwriter, theater participant, and student of my ancestral culture, I am Arts, I am Culture, I am Wellness. I choose to get ALL OF IT in! Remember that old jazz tune that starts off “All of Me…”? Or, how about the one, “No Regrets…”? That’s how I look at myself and my life. When it’s all said and done, I want to experience as much as I can even once, and have no regrets. I’ll be smiling at the positive experiences, laughing at the crazy ones, shaking my head at the not so good ones, considering the lessons learned, and above all, grateful! Yes, it requires balance and discernment. But, at the end of the day, who are YOU in your totality? You might be surprised, and you may never know unless you try.
As a professional speaker/storyteller and member of National Speakers Association of Ohio; retired RN; published author; singer songwriter with original music out there, and student of culture, I’m here to talk to you about why you may want to consider some self prioritization, and the idea of lifelong learning.
Having spoken to corporate audiences such as Eaton, Progressive Insurance, Aetna, the IRS, DFAS, law firms, and private industries, speaking on topics such as Stress Management, and Change Management; having facilitated retreats locally and internationally on the importance of rest and self-care; and having introduced high school students to the creative side of looking at events of their lives, I can draw participants into serious, as well as fun, creative workshops!
Is there something you’ve always wanted to try doing, but feel it’s too late? Do you need an emotional boost? Need a totally different reason to smile? Need to scratch some things off your bucket list? Do you like music? Things are not always as impossible as they may seem from a distance. Rarely, if ever, is it totally too late!
Below are a few examples of my approaches to Arts, Culture, and Wellness!
Culture: Commentary on Ifa Theology, Cosmology and Belief was invited to The Cleveland Playhouse!
The Cleveland Playhouse’s ongoing mission to provide education, includes what they call Digital Lobby Experiences prior to their shows. iPads are available for theater goers, with interviews of community leaders and experts, on topics relevant to the play that’s running. Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Pulitzer Prize-Winning play “Between Riverside and Crazy” was one of their feature presentations. The story line focused on concepts of redemption, and destiny. The play referenced the practice of Ifa, which is a major ancestral, traditionalist, spiritual, and cultural part of the Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria, practiced here in the diaspora, that I’m a student initiate of for over 30 years.
For this CPH production, religious commentaries included Christian, Muslim, and Jewish perspectives on the topics of redemption and destiny. I’m honored to have been selected to give commentary on Ifa theology, cosmology and belief!
Wellness: “Rest Is the Retreat” Utuado, Puerto Rico (including some participant feedback)
It’s been said that an appreciation for, and getting out in nature can help with mood, the aging process, rest, grounding, and more. Here, we focused on self-care, not needing to be doing something constantly, some yoga, and enjoying nature.
