Hello and welcome to the missive!
I’m so happy that Spring is on the way and, although it’s trying to snow as I write this, there are hints of blossom, shrubs starting to bud, and the annual display of daffodils lining the road on the way into town.
I’ve been contemplating visibility and being seen a lot of late, as have many of us, I think. It’s often a challenge to put ourselves out there and it’s been a hurdle I’ve had to overcome. I wanted to share some of my findings with you and the wisdom I’ve gathered recently on the same topic.
Our magic lies in being seen
We are all beacons and shine our light for others and to walk each other home. You never know how your story might impact another person.
In case you don’t know, my husband, Chris, is a blind woodturner. We travel around the UK so that Chris can share the story of losing his sight and demonstrate his skills as a woodturner.
It’s easy to take for granted the impact that you have on others. We’re both very gung ho and Chris wears his blindness lightly. It’s only when an email pops up or a comment is left on social media that it hits home how much even a short conversation can change someone else’s life.
Over the past few years, we’ve had many emails and phone calls from people who have told Chris how his story has helped them.
One man, who is now a friend, told Chris that he had saved his life. He had developed a neurological condition that left him in constant and excruciating pain, and led him to contemplate checking out. By chance he came across Chris’ YouTube channel which helped him reassess and conclude that, if Chris can do what he does with no sight, then what else was possible.
Now a massive supporter of Chris’ woodturning and the creator of Chris’ bespoke tools, our friend is also a hugely talented maker who shares his skills and turns out incredible projects, including one of my favourite fountain pens.
It’s always a bit emotional hearing stories like this. We just do what we do. Chris does something that he loves yet, at the same time, he’s inspiring others in ways we could never have imagined.
Chris will tell you that being a blind woodturner is who he was meant to be and, although he went through many dark days to get here, he wouldn’t go back.
I try to learn from Chris’ example. It’s easier to encourage others and to see their gifts. But much harder to see your own. We all need someone else to shine a light for us and to be our beacon on the journey home, to our true selves.
I don’t know if it’s the experience of being blind or a result of having walked through the fire but Chris has a knack of just being himself. He shows up and gets on with it.
It’s a knack I’ve yet to fully master. But each time I show up online, in an IGTV video, I take a step closer. I’ve started seeing the magic happen too, little by little. The other day someone messaged to tell me I inspired them. That quite blew my socks off.
I know that the secret is just be who you are. To simply show up as you.
And never doubt your ability to impact someone else, to inspire them, or to give another person clarity through, what might be to you, a throwaway comment.
We don’t need to know how we impact others. We may never know, in some cases. We just need to be more us. To embrace our weirdness, quirks, passions, or philosophies. But, most of all, it’s about doing the things that bring us joy because that’s contagious and sparks the touch paper for another person.
We all have a contribution to make and something to say. I believe we are all here for a reason and each of us is a piece in a bigger jigsaw. Without us sharing our gifts there will always be a hole where our piece should be.
Never doubt that what you do or share could change someone else’s life.
Talking visibility
The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them ~ Elizabeth Gilbert. (Shared by Susannah Conway in her recent newsletter).
Being our true selves is what matters most if we want to live an intentional meaningful life. Living with purpose close to our hearts and finding the courage to be who we are unapologetically so we can create the ripple effects we were born to make, however big or small, is what's truly important ~ Jessica Rose Williams
Imagine the talents and gifts you’ve been given are exactly that, GIFTS! Given to you to look after with care and attention. Given to you because other people need support and help with something and your gifts are the things that can help them. What if someone came along and said, ‘Hand over those gifts, you’re not using them. You’re not sharing them with others. We’re taking them away and giving them to someone who treasures them’. How’s that feel? ~ Karen Staniland-Platt
Coming this month
I’ve been having great fun interviewing people for my new podcast which starts tomorrow. My first guest is Katya Willems, also known as @easyinstamcr. I’ve known Katya for a while and it made for a great conversation.
This series is all about essence and purpose but also about change and how that takes us on unexpected journeys.
If you have a story of personal change that you would like to share on the podcast as one of my guests, please get in touch.
Chris and I will be taking part in March Meet the Maker this month so we will both be sharing our maker stories. If you’re taking part, I look forward to seeing your posts too.
Until next time, have a wonderful March and hope there’s lots of lovely blossom where you are.
Nicola x
P.S.
Click here to access the Essence Map, a free download as a thank you for subscribing.
A free download, with a video or audio interview with the Blind Woodturner, talking about his personal journey to find his essence.
You might also like to take a look at some of my favourite books in the Repository.