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I’ve been blessed to live in New York City for over 14 years. Each day I awake to watch the sun warm the brick buildings outside of my window, and I’m still in awe of the energy Manhattan generates. This energy is contagious and once it seeps deep into your bones, well, grand things are bound to happen!

For over ten years, I owned a successful technology-consulting firm, with two other partners. The business was great, the clients fabulous and creative, and our staff hard working. Additionally, we were in a niche market. While you could throw a pebble and easily hit thousands of PC consulting firms, there was very little competition for Macintosh consulting. And although my company was profitable and afforded me the lifestyle of travel, purchasing my first condo in NYC, and becoming a foodie, I wasn’t happy. I knew something was missing in my life and I should be doing something bigger. My life purpose was meant to leave a much larger footprint, and I knew it involved using my divine and unique gifts and skills. This hole in my heart center was there for many years. I didn’t trust the unsettling feeling. I didn’t have faith to step out into the unknown. I mean, really, who walks away from a successful company in technology! Technology is an ever evolving industry and a consistent vehicle necessary for the success of any company. How did I end up transitioning from a career in technology consulting to a fabulous, inspiring and fulfilling career as a Life Design Coach & Creative Strategist? Well, quite simply, silence.

In my quest for a deeper spiritual connection, and to address the nagging sensation I continually felt in my solar plexus, I attended a long weekend, silent retreat during a snowy February in Connecticut. Up until that point, my experience with silence could be measured within a thimble. Family and friends were wagering how long it would take for me to succumb to the deafening stillness. There was no TV and no technology. I left my cell phone and laptop at home. At the time of the retreat, I had not been a part from either in over eight years. They were always with me ~ even on vacation. My anxiety was pretty high for two reasons. First, the fear of what I would learn while being still enough to hear what my heart had been trying to tell me. I was pretty sure it would involve leaving my comfortable, safe and secure lifestyle. Second, I was putting my needs first. I knew that if I didn’t get away and give myself permission to be silent and reconnect with my mind, body and spirit I would continue to be unhappy. Yet, I battled with the role I had carved out for myself to be all things to all people ~ personally and professionally. It still amazes me how often we don’t see the importance of being gentle and giving to ourselves when in the end it replenishes our spirit and energy to keep giving back to the world.

While on retreat, I had many opportunities to participate in walking meditations. Imagine the serenity of a solitary 30-minutes crunching through snow with the smell of crisp winter air and snowflakes tickling your eyelashes. During one of my walks, in a blanket of white, I came across a long green pine branch sticking out and pointing to go right. I pulled my compass from the ground, walked around the crimson barn and found my tree. She was magnificent! Her limbs branched outward as if waiting to receive a hug from me. Snow clung to tiny green leaves. I’m not sure how long I stood before her beauty when the words Life Design began to whisper. When I got back to the retreat center and sat in front of the fireplace following my walk, images of my tree and the words Life Design, transformation, growth, creativity, abundance, prosperity and coaching swirled. What did it all mean?

That night, I wrote in my journal like never before. What was I thinking? Who leaves the success and security of an established company to embark on a journey based off a 30-minute walk? But, I knew I didn’t love my job. I knew my job didn’t bring me passion. And I knew my Life’s Dash, the precious time between arrival and departure from this world, was meant for something greater! By the time the silent retreat was over, I had my company name, designed the logo in my head and wrote my mission statement: to inspire, co-create and support all of the possibilities people are courageous enough to demand.

All that I have in my life now has been a result of giving myself the gift of silence. From that weekend I realized the need for “me time” and the development of a meditation practice where I stay connected with my still small voice. It can be done if you say YES! to the experience.

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