Do you know those moments when you realise how much you have actually transformed yourself as a result of having dared to take the road less travelled to follow your Authentic Path?
One summer I was reunited with a dear old friend, from the days when I worked in the corporate sector. She had the ability to ignite my imagination and lift me from an environment that wasn’t suited to my sensibilities.
A cramped office, surrounded by folk who resented being so close to each other, carrying out tasks they felt were beneath their true capabilities. For me it was just a means to an end. Tension was rife at times. Lunch time was my only escape from a boss who seemed to think he was the gunman in an old spaghetti western and who treated most of his colleagues as his worst enemies.
Not far from this edgy existence, Irelands National Art Gallery provided a quiet bench for me to take my lunch in peace before entering to view inspiring works of art.
"She still had that extra-ordinary glow and wisdom shining through her eyes, just as artist Helen Mable Trevor had captured."
I made many interesting discoveries during my lunchtime visits to the gallery. I found out that William Dargan (1799-1867), the great Irish railway magnate, was originally from Carlow, my home county. Also, George Bernard Shaw who bequeathed one third of his royalties to the National Gallery, also had a Carlow connection on his mother’s side. Shaw described the National Gallery as his ‘University’. I decided to make it mine too.
During every visit, there was one painting that became a ‘must-see’ for me. Looking back now, I think we were in conversations with each other. Eventually, I left that ‘unsuitable’ office environment and moved further from the city. My visits were less frequent and eventually the National Gallery closed many of its doors in order to facilitate a major refurbishment project that took at least six years to complete.
"Here I stood, having exhibited my artwork many times, an author of books and blogs, a traveller of the world, a therapist and someone with wonderful friendships & connections made in the process."
Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach, Author & Artist
Summer 2017, the doors reopened. I went to visit my old friend. I knew she would be there. I went straight to the spot, just like I used to do when I had lived nearby. I stood before ‘The Fisherman’s Mother’ with a few fond tears in my eyes. ‘Look at you now’, it was like we were both saying this to each other. She still had that extra-ordinary glow and wisdom shining through her eyes, just as artist Helen Mable Trevor had captured.
I stood before my old pal realising how much I had achieved since she had last gazed upon me. I was no longer standing at the edges of the world of creatives.
I was transported back to those days of standing before ‘The Fisherman’s Mother’. Had she been imparting her message all along? ‘I’ve lived, I know a thing or two. Don’t be foolish. Work hard at the right things. Be true to yourself.’ I had heard her loud and clear.
Are you someone who is searching for purpose and meaning in life? Are you curious about the opportunities and adventures that could unfold if you dared to step out of your comfort zone? Do you know what holds you back?
This story gives you a window into my journey along the Authentic Path which calls for developing confidence, trust, along with calling on courage and the innate gifts you possess. What steps are you willing to take to bring more of your authenticity into the light for the benefit the world? Make a start today by signing up here for Authentic Path inspiration and offers.
Transforming your life is possible at any age, my own journey is a testimony to that. I believe authenticity and wellness are intrinsic to success in all areas of life. It takes courage and passion and they are within you, waiting to for the spark to set them alive. When you read my posts I hope you will get sense of my capacity to help you to succeed with your dreams and goals. Check out my books, online courses and personal wellness programmes designed to guide you towards the most powerful authentic version of yourself. Learn more about my journey here.
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