Last week I taped my first National TV interview for Oprah’s OWN Canada scheduled to air this fall – a new truth documentary series exploring the human connection. Friends asked ‘how did that happen’?
Ever since I stepped into following my heart, passion & purpose where I’d changed careers to become a life coach and author, I’ve noticed the whirlwind of synchronicities constantly happening. I’ve been transforming ALL my relationships to be more meaningful, authentic, and connected with my message of “BEING YOU” – sharing my vision for a judgment-free world. It’s required stepping back from some, letting others go, deepening existing ones, and attracting many others with similar energy!!
I was standing in line with girlfriends to see Oprah live in Toronto last month – we get together monthly, and have the incredible judgment-free space to share authentically. Laugher and tears – memories for always. We had always talked about seeing Oprah together one day…so of course it happened!!
We left at 11:11 am – had lunch at 156 Front Street (111 for me), sat in the 11th row, and it was 11:11 pm returning home…11s is just one of the ‘spiritual signs’ I’d seen as a child letting me know I am on my ‘right path’, a reminder to slow down, pay attention, and listen to my inner voice. I was just prompted again with 11:11 writing this blog!!
Someone from Oprah’s OWN Canada came by the 8,500 people waiting in line to ask if anyone had a story to share. My friends insisted I take the casting card & submit! The ‘sign’ of releasing my latest publication, a chapter in Pebbles in the Pond called “Finding Forgiveness” within weeks of Oprah’s life class topic that evening: Forgiveness, had me in that magic zone of listening to my intuition, getting into action, and trusting. Sounded like “just send in your story – who knows?” Weeks later, the call came I wasn’t expecting – they wanted to interview me! Turned out to be a fun, casual experience – my amazing friend, and life coach Angela offered to drive me to the downtown shoot. We met the producer, and with a nudge from me, Angela ended up sharing her story too – we’re in the same episode!!
I shared the painful experience that caused me to dive into understanding what it really means to judge someone. A six page letter I received from someone I regarded as a true friend for over a decade. The words ‘right and wrong’ showed up everywhere – she was ‘right’, and I was ‘wrong’.
“There is no right, and wrong, but thinking makes it so.” ~Shakespeare
Jealousy, resentment, and judgment showed up so loudly in her words. False assumptions, and condemning thoughts she had kept hidden for months. I had no idea. I wanted her to be happy, but we had been drifting apart since I began following my passions. After hearing her truth, I found myself judging her for judging me – felt resentment, anger, and betrayal because I was now attached to ‘being right’, and making her ‘wrong’. Underneath were real, raw emotions of shock, sadness, and disappointment.
The moment I finished the letter for Oprah’s OWN Canada, I knew our friendship was over. We had grown too far apart. Our values weren’t the same. It taught me my message, how to speak our truth. I forgave her, she forgave me, and I walked away with a stronger trust in myself.
Today I surround myself with people who are genuinely happy for who I am, and where I’m going, and vice versa – no competition, jealousy, meeting expectations of a “right or wrong” way. Letting go of judgment is the secret to healthy, happy, deeply connected relationships, and what it means to finally experience unconditional love.
You can BE YOU, and allow others the freedom to be themselves. It’s what we all desire: to be seen, and heard for who we are, and why we’re here.
“Be who you are, and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter,
and those who matter don’t mind.” ~Dr. Seuss
