Each for equal, confident, empowered & authentic humans

Here I am striking the 'each for equal' pose to highlight the message of International Women's Day 2020 , The #eachforequal campaign asks us to keep this message alive throughout the year to make a strong collective statement to accelerate change for gender equality.

First celebrated in 1911, International Women's Day is now celebrated globally bringing focus to the achievements of women throughout history and in modern times, acknowledging their struggle to bring about greater gender equality.

As individuals we can influence change through our collective actions, conversations, behaviors and mindsets. A gender equal world can be healthier, wealthier and more harmonious.

Caroline Cunningham Artist, Author & Wellness Coach

"What can you do to make a positive difference for women everywhere?"

For my part, I am being the change I want to see in the world. I am committed to being a better version of myself, being healthier, more empowered, authentic and fabulous and I can help you to achieve this for yourself too.

I want greater wellbeing and empowerment

My journey towards greater wellbeing and empowerment began after burn-out from stress of every kind in 1999. By burn-out I mean, the moment when I fell apart, the pressure valve blowing, unrestrained sadness taking over, no longer being able to make it look like 'everything-is-grand' on the outside. I look back at that moment with humility and gratitude that I was forced to face my brokenness, my fears, my negative-thinking self. In the years that followed, I learned better self-care strategies, developed a positive mindset and a passion for living. I have faced my fears and achieved things I could never imagined back in 1999.

I am grateful to the men and women who provided guidance and support along my path to authenticity. I believe each person has potential to be a better version of themselves and my purpose is to help people who are serious about making that happen. It starts by looking within. Are you ready to take the test?

Are you happy with being you?

Take a moment to check-in. Close your eyes or look into a mirror. Are you happy with being you? What parts need healing and love? Do you sense a more powerful side of you that needs encouragement to come to the surface? Does that scare you? Are you curious to know your true self? Would you like some inspiration to set your true self free?

When I undertook this exercise after burn-out in 1999, I already knew I needed to change. At first I found this exercise difficult, nothing came but once I got past my impatience and allowed calm to prevail I started to get inklings of a part of myself that was seeking to be acknowledged. I stayed with those thoughts and eventually I sensed the power of being a woman, one who is strong and not afraid of what others think of her, one who is daring, confident and free.

"I quickly got my paints and brushes and created my impression of that powerful woman before she could become a distant memory. I called her Break True."

Caroline Cunningham Authentic Path Inspiration

Today, Break True is instantly recognised by people who have triumphed over adversity, people who have dared to step into their power. I have seen people stop in their tracks as they approached this art piece during my art exhibitions and one person even cried. Break True has become a symbol for transformation and empowerment and encourages you keep going on your authentic path. The journey never stops because our potential for improvement is limitless.

'Break True' is a limited editon giclee art print, presented on archival hannemulhe paper, complete with certificate of authenticity, signed by the artist and ready for worldwide delivery.

I want to Break True

The Moment of Break True

Burn Out Forces You to Stop

Sometimes when I tell people about my experience of burn or I relate someone else's story, I notice some listeners' discomfort and desire to distance themselves from the topic. Their comments suggest 'how could someone let that happen' or 'this couldn't happen to me'. And yet, people continue to fall into this trap of burn out, a state of complete physical and emotional exhaustion from too much stress or over-working, not minding 'self' or not addressing some trauma or need.

The fact is, many people do not recognise the signs that they are heading for burn out. Even if they do know the signs, they fail to register that the worst case scenario might happen to them.

From my own experience, burn out was a very distressing and humbling experience. I thought I was getting ahead by over-working myself but instead my depleted health forced me to stop and put me at the bottom of the ladder metaphorically.

My Terrifying Moment of Burn-Out

The year was 1999, I didn’t heed the signs that all was not well. I knew nothing about self-care or mindfulness back then. Mental health was a taboo topic. I worked day and night to keep up with my work as a teacher.

That particular year, I happened to have been time-tabled in a way that that meant every class I was given was doing end of year exams. The 'mock' exams were coming and all papers were elected to be corrected by teachers in the school, in our own time.

We all experience the demands and pressures of work from time to time but when aspects of our health and wellbeing are not being addressed, stress takes its toll. Truth is, I had been experiencing cycles of mild depression and anxiety for years. I had accepted these states as if they were part of my personality, that’s how misguided I was.

Finally, a wave of despair took hold. I was catapulted into a chaos of unrestrained emotions, it was both tremendous and frightening. I wept continuously for a week. Prior to that moment I had been supressing a deep sadness, afraid that if I cried, I might not be able to stop. I did eventually stop and that was when things started to change for the better.

Get Focused for Success instead of Burn-out

Breaking True

For the first time in my life, I dared to consider what I really wanted for myself. I left my teaching career (of Science and Maths) behind and moved to the city. Taking temporary office work meant I could use my evenings to explore other options such as finding ways to improve my health and wellbeing, while exploring the creative practices that intrigued me.

One morning, when I had the house to myself. I did something I hadn’t done since my teens. I got some art material ready and asked myself this question: 'Who is the person inside, who wants to be seen and heard? A blank canvas starred back at me. After some loose sketches and determination, I started to paint. I was amazed at what emerged.

Break True boldly stated her intentions through the blue and menacing swirls. She appeared fearless and strong. I felt her power as I painted her. It was just a glimpse. I was reminded of a quote by Mahatma Gandhi:

"All that appear and happens about and around us is uncertain, transient. But there is a supreme being hidden therein as a certainty and one would be blessed if one could catch a glimpse of that certainty and hitch one’s wagon to it. The quest for that Truth is the summum bonum of life."

Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi, An Autobiography Page 250

The Importance of Seeking Authenticity

Break True had given me a glimpse of what I was to become. My transformation took time, as it does for anything lasting and worthwhile. Years later my refined version of Break True painting found its perfect owner, an inspiring woman who had also transformed herself and who continues to inspire others.

Break True is a reminder of the importance of seeking authenticity. By being more true to ourselves we make it easier for others to be themselves, eventuality we see the transformation in society.

Break True is currently available as a limited edition print. It is presented with a certificate of authenticity and can be shipped worldwide. It’s a popular art print with clients who have initiated the process of transformation in their own lives and it has been purchased as a gift to provide inspiration to people starting out on that journey.

Your Break True Limited Edition is Here

I work with people who want to realise their goals and dreams. I provide books, e-learning programmes, personalised coaching and mentoring services to help you get started or back on track. Check out the options below or join Authentic Path Explorers.

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