R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts

"When you're authentic, so is your art."
Sarah Ban Breathnaucht - Simple Abundance

This morning one of the R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Women (Women who are Rising Above Divorce In Confidence And Love) sent several of us a wonderful song about seeing life with new hope and new eyes and new anticipation of good. She shared openly her gift of music, and as a result we were all encouraged. She was authentic. So was the message of her song. The quote above was taken from the wonderful book Simple Abundance. The author's entry for the day was about being courageous enough to be authentic in this world. We can't pretend and really influence anyone. We can't always be "up." We have to have the willingness to share our real selves with others. Only then can we form relationships that make a difference. And no matter what your "art," whether it is music, acting, painting, sewing, teaching, cooking, encouraging, writing ... or whatever, you must be bold and brave enough to just put your gift out there. If it's from your heart ... if it's real ... if it's an honest expression of something you feel, then it will touch someone else. All of us have basically the same needs and wants in life, and when you express yourself truthfully, others will recognize that offering for what it is and be encouraged themselves. Don't be a pretend person. Be a real person. Speak the truth whatever your medium, and you will draw others to you by your willingness to share that common reality. We're all in this life together, let's be true. By the way, if you want me to forward Chris' song, e-mail me at suzysuccess@kc.rr.com or add a comment to this post.

"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."
Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)