Graduations Unsung
AS WE SUPPORT OUR 2020 GRADUATES, I INVITE YOU TO JOIN ME IN GRATUS GRADUS, A CELEBRATION OF GRADUATIONS UNSUNG.
Watch: Gratus Gradus
Story: Graduations Unsung
Recently, I was interviewed by VoyageLA magazine. The point of focus was my journey as an Artist. During our conversation, I found renewed Gratus (gratitude) for past obstacles which, at the time, were too painful for me to consider as wins.
With each Gradus (step forward; rise) in my life, I’ve come to accept that not all triumphs are accompanied with joy because some of my most fortifying wins came as I smoldered in the life’s fires.
Here’s a quick hot flash: The side A of the story.
1. I left my corporate job with what I thought was ample savings, however, I blew through that within 6 months as most of the Acting roles I needed in order to build resume didn’t come with financial compensation.
2. I had a grand time at Cannes film festival as the Leading Lady in my first film; basking in the French Riveria and artisan chocolates. Shortly after my return, I found out there were cancerous cells in my body.
3. I secured a part-time job which I enjoyed but didn’t have health insurance to cover the necessary medical procedure.
All of this happened within the first 3 years of my journey as an Actress-Writer-Producer. There are no words to describe the levels of fright and disappear I felt during those times. It felt cruel to have such beautiful moments go ablaze.
However, that’s only part of the picture. Here’s the B side; what happened in response to side A!
1. I started working with a Chef who was in need of someone with my marketing and planning skills and within a year parlayed my office assistant role into becoming the Director of Private Events.
2. While I anxiously waited out the 6 weeks before I could enroll in health insurance, I went inward and discovered foods and rituals to naturally heal my body. Seriously, by the time I went in for my medical procedure all of the cancer cells were gone! No cells, no procedure.
3. The things I learned as I healed myself became the foundation for my current health and spiritual practice. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was the beginning of my 10-year transition into a plant-based lifestyle.
As with the current stay-at-home orders, the interview with VoyageLA presented an opportunity for me to savor the view from where I am now. To look back and reclaim gems I’d left behind.
As I stand Gratus Gradus, I’m able to see how those moments which felt like set backs were in fact the support beams for my ascension. With each Gradus, I graduated to a new level; a new understanding of me and appreciation for my journey.
Along the way, I’ve learned how to host my own parade, prepare my favorite meal and be the loudest voice cheering “well done” even when the graduation is witnessed by a party of one. ME!
I share this story as an invitation to reflect on your own graduations. May the things you discover fill your heart with gratitude and bring cheer to your voice!
If you are a new or soon-to-be graduate, know that wins come in all forms. All the people you admire experienced challenges that made them the person they are today— just as your triumphs will inspire future graduates.
Congratulations and be sure to stoke the fires within!
FUEL FOR THOUGHT
“It is better to travel well than to arrive.”
SPARK OF GENIUS
GRA·TUS /ˈGRĀTƏS/ LATIN ROOT WORD FOR GRATITUDE.
“thankfulness”
GRA·DUS /ˈGRĀDƏS/ LATIN ROOT WORD FOR GRADUATION.
“to step towards something.”
and, in case you didn’t know, I’m a proud geek!
THE FIRES WITHIN
GRATUS GRADUS | A WRITING EXPLORATION
15 minutes (or as long as you want!)
Now, your turn! Step away from your devices, brew a cup of tea/coffee, grab a pen and your journal (or wherever you store your thoughts).
Take 4 cleansing deep breaths and settle into your seat. Open your journal and heart as you write your responses to the following:
Think of an obstacle you’ve faced. Describe the challenge and how you overcame it.
As a result of that experience, what did you learn about yourself?
How have those insights colored your life since then?
List the win(s), big and small, linked to this experience that you didn’t acknowledge at the time or are long overdue for a celebration.
Was there a person(s) who supported you during this experience? If yes, call and tell them, ‘Thank You’. If they have since transitioned to the Spirit realm, say your ‘Thank You’ out loud and enjoy a favorite treat/meal in their honor.
Well Done, Friend! Now, put on your favorite dance tune and host your own graduation parade!