ARTICLES: fertile ground
Articles by Penelope Brackett

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The Star of Your Show July 2001 "The reason so many of us are possessed with becoming stars is because we are not yet starring in our own lives. The cosmic spotlight isn't pointing at you, it radiates from within you. I used to feel like I was waiting for someone to "produce" me, like Lana Turner at the drug store. Ultimately, I realize that the person I was waiting for was me." -Marianne Williamson So here's the question. Are you the star of your own show? Are you committed to living your own life or are you standing on the sidelines, wishing to be in the limelight. Are you the lead or an extra in this major motion picture?

I used to feel that there was a parallel runner to my own life. Someone quicker, smarter, cooler than I was. If I could only sidle up beside this powerful person; I was sure I could take a quantum leap into their body. Sometimes that person looked somewhat like me, as in Hillary Clinton, or pretty different from me, say Kenneth Brannaugh. Anyway, they were clearly my better half. I finally realized it just wasn't going to happen. I was firmly ensconced in my own body. For better, or for worse, I was who I was, and I might as well get to know who that was, that is, is. It was time to stop finding ways of deserting myself and start finding ways of presence-ing myself. Here are my 8 star secrets: 1. Be compassionate towards yourself. When you're picking up speed and gazing longingly at your imaginary partner, slow down. The acceptance of sometimes-painful longing to be somewhere and/or someone else is the first step towards reclaiming your life. 2. Realize shame and envy are huge tolerations, as well as, signposts saying, "Look here!" I have better things to do." 3. Reflect on the person you're attracted to, and how they reflect your values. Look at your parallel runner, your Hillary Clinton, or Kenneth Branagh. Do they embody boldness, creativity, leadership, and contribution…? What personal and/or professional actions would give you a chance to express those values? 4. Make an action plan. It may include researching your models, as well as the activities and institutions they are aligned with. 5. Give yourself extreme self-care. A new book, or a walk in the park might give you the energy to reexamine your course, recognizing the joy as well as the challenges in your life. 6. Evaluate your relationships. Do you have a strong community for inspiration, accountability and appreciation? Maybe it's time to find a mentor, partner or friend. Or maybe you need to ask an old friend for a whopper of a compliment. Mark Twain said, a good compliment could last a year. Recognize if you need professional support, whether it be a career or fitness coach. 7. Get rid of any withheld communications. Often our desire to leave our bodies comes from some neglected communication/ confrontation in our personal lives or careers? Is there anything you need to say…an apology, an appreciation, a request, a boundary? Get together, call or write a letter. (Even an un-sent missive can do wonders.) 8. Welcome your longing as a reminder to grow and embrace your life. Your imaginary partner can become a real partner saying, "jump into your life." Build extreme self care into your daily life and start moving on your action plan. The star's secret is to self-produce. Turn the camera on yourself. Treat yourself as a star and ask others to. Be responsible for yourself. Turn the light on from within. Sow yourself like a seed. BACK TO ARTICLES PAGE BACK TO TOP Home | About The Creative Seed | Services | Articles Creative Seed Network | Client Resources | Newsletter | Contact TheCreativeSeed.com 973-762-5871 | info@thecreativeseed.com All material copyright 2001 by Penelope Brackett. Site design by James Donegan. Photos by Jacquelyn Prussing 718.420.1334 jagunjac@aol.com Site development by Mark E. Lang, TBEdesign.com, NYC.