Hi – Happy Monday!
I want to share a couple of phenomenal experiences and resources with you that changed my life – for real! – and also have the power to change yours!
On February 25, 2010 – my 45th birthday – I flew into the arms of Debbie Ford, best-selling author of several books including The Dark Side of the Light Chasers and creator of The Shadow Effect movie, for her renowned immersive weekend, The Shadow Process. We had worked together and been friends for years, so when I revealed to her that I had just separated from my then husband and was paralyzed by fear, she immediately insisted on me being at the workshop as a participant, not producer.
It became crystal clear to me that I am the Event Director at Hay House for a reason. For over a decade had been traveling around the world with – and had become quite close to – the greatest minds and teachers and authors in the self-empowerment, inspirational, motivational movement – absorbing the teachings by osmosis – they really wouldn’t be able to land in me until I was able to open myself up fully and be really willing to reveal myself and ask for help from the people who I had always been there to serve.
Julie – Debbie’s then assistant and now COO of The Ford Institute (who I’ve since nicknamed St. Julie) – picked me up at the airport on that sunny San Diego afternoon and then we met Debbie for lunch. Later that night, after a birthday dinner – complete with cake, candles and a wish – standing on the steps in Debbie’s living room, I uttered the word divorce for the first time, as it related to me.
For the next three days an intimate group of us journeyed into our inner recesses and resources through The Shadow Process. The real turning point came when I realized it was not about fixing him or saving the marriage, but only about getting real with myself and my healing.
And even though it was really one of the most terrifying experiences for me – to peel back the layers of my fear and expose my truth and vulnerability, because I had so much invested in this identity, in my perfectionism, in being the one, getting the gold star, so much invested in believing I would find internal value externally – I can honestly say that The Shadow Process was the key that catalyzed me into finding the strength and courage to make a dramatic change in my life.
I realize now that if I was able to leave my marriage, and not only survive but truly thrive on the other side of my greatest fear, that I can do anything. Living through what I couldn’t possibly imagine ever getting past, I know that I have what it takes to traverse any fear.
Since my Shadow Process, I have produced two more of these transformative weekends, and next month I will certified as an Integrative Coach, having completed the rigorous year-long Breakthrough Shadow Coaching Training Program.
The beauty of what Debbie left behind is the transmission that transformation is an inside job…your life will change even if she isn’t the one guiding you through the process. So even though Debbie has left this planet her work continues on, being breathed into life by The Ford Institute and those of us committed to carrying her legacy forward.
There’s still time to register for The Shadow Process in Miami later this month – September 20-22, 2013 – and The Ford Institute is extending a special $200 discount to all of you! Register here with the Coupon Code SPECIALOFFER to honor your soul’s call to clear away obstacles, make peace with any lingering unfinished business, and clarify the vision you are meant to realize in your magnificent life.
***
One of the biggest areas of shadow for many of us is around our money which is why I’m so thrilled to be part of my dear friend Kate Northrup’s Money Love Stories project as part of the launch of her new book, Money: A Love Story. I received an advance copy of this book and devoured it straight away! Kate interviewed me about MY money love story and I have to say, it was pretty juicy and eye opening! You can watch it here.
The idea is this: Money is a taboo topic and it’s a source of shame and fear for many. In order to heal our collective discomfort and avoidance around it, we’ve got to talk about it and bring it into the light. Telling our own stories and being an example of working toward having a loving relationship with our money is a damn good way to do that.
The book takes a fun, understanding, and – most of all – proven approach to creating true financial freedom. You won’t find any shame, blame, or finger wagging here. Just tons of relatable moments and simple, step-by-step guidance to living out your own money love story.
Whether you want to pay off your debt for good, rake in more income, or forge a lifestyle of true freedom, Money: A Love Story is your road map. True abundance, financial clarity, and a loving relationship with your money (and yourself) are all yours for the having. This book will take your hand and show you exactly how to get there. When you order your copy of Money: A Love Story you’ll get access to A Course in Having Enough, a live online event Kate is teaching with Marianne Williamson, Barbara Stanny, and Amanda Steinberg. For details and to order go to www.moneyalovestory.com.
Remember, it’s only by unconcealing what we most fear revealing that we will ever be free!
xoxo
Nancy
P.S. Be sure to set your DVR to catch Kate on The Today Show tomorrow morning, Tuesday, September 10th, at 9:33 am ET!
