Whisper words of wisdom....

Last week I attended a women's business summit for my day job.  I've been looking forward to it since I signed up because I knew that having that many business women in one room was going to be electric and life-changing and that it was.  The biggest plus to conferences held by this company is the way they facilitate networking.  They have four break-out groups in a day and each is with different women and guided questions.  In preparation for the event, I read through my booklet and I knew what questions I was going to be answering with these women.  Phew.  They were deep.  But I live for deep.  I really do.  Quit the bullshit and tell me how you really feel, please.  So, going in, I knew this was going to bring out some vulnerability in me and there would likely be tears.  UGH.  Crying in public...something I try to avoid at all cost.  Breathe in, breath out, self.  It's just salty water coming out of your eyeballs and not the end of the world. 

The day came and groups started out going as planned.  Connections were made and I was feeling good.  Then break-out group numero 2 happened.  To say it was uncomfortable is an understatement.  The particular question for this group really spoke to me on a personal level so I put down my emotional wall and I voiced my concern (one that is on-going and deeply frustrating).  UGH.  Those women ATE.ME.ALIVE.  And not intentionally, but I just so happened to be at a table with a very Molly Utah Mormon woman and a very feminist, hippie woman.  Talk about getting it from both sides of the spectrum.  Holy moly.  However, one of my darling business associates was sitting next to me and after the group ended she pulled me aside, and said, "I know what you're going through.  I've been there.  Hang with it.  They will come back to you for being the constant in their life."  BIG SIGH OF RELIEF.  She and I have since exchanged a follow-up email and once again she said exactly what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it.  Bless her.  Bless her so very much. 

After lunch went down a little bit different.  Break-out group numero 3 was probably the most diverse group of women I met with all day.  A women's studies major/pilates studio owner, a community-trade jewelry company owner, a banker, a mom/super blogger, a quietly powerful woman, and me.  Here we go.  The conversation started out slow, but picked up speed.  When we arrived to the next question, it got quiet.  The question was this: What do you believe is the one true note you were destined to sing?  How do you help others find theirs? Crickets.... And then the banker started to talk.  With every bit of honesty in her heart she said, "I don't know what my song would be."  *speechless Raylynn*  At this point, I wanted to cry because my heart ached for someone her age who didn't know what her mantra or song really was.  How could someone go through life in a state of not knowing what they were destined to share with others?  And then the moment happened.  One that I will NEVER forget.  Earlier, she had told us that she was the proud mother of one daughter.  So, I said to her, "Ok,---, I want to ask you a question.  If your daughter was to call you RIGHT NOW, in tears, and stressed about life and the world, what would you tell her?"  Yep, I really said that out loud to a stranger.  And I looked her straight in the eye, cuz that's not intimidating at all.  And then the tears.  Not mine--HERS!  Oh crap, I made her cry.  Nope, I broke down her wall.  After thinking about it through tears she said, "I would tell her, "it's just stuff."  She then proceeded to tell us that her daughter has struggled deeply with depression and self-hate and bullying and that many times she has had to remind her that it is all stuff and that her mamma still loved her the most. 

At this point I shared with the group my song/mantra and that is "let it be and celebrate."  For my veteran blog followers and anyone who actually reads the title of le blog you will know that it's a big deal for me.  A montage of some really hard life lessons that I've learned as an adult.  When I shared that this was my song, I challenged each of the women to Google the lyrics of the classic Beatles hit, "Let It Be" and read every single word.  This song has an incredible story behind it.  It was mostly written by Paul McCartney and "Mary" was his mother.  She died when he was a young boy and he always missed her deeply.... Still does, I'm sure.  His oldest daughter is named after her.  He wrote this song as a tribute to her and a way to channel his on-going grieving.  I challenge all of you to do the same; read the lyrics...every single word.  Here is my favorite verse...verse 3. 

Let it be, let it be
Ah let it be, yeah let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music,
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Yeah let it be, let it be
Let it be, yeah let it be
Oh there will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, yeah let it be
Oh there will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Ah let it be, yeah let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be. 

And so I will say to each and every one of you, there IS still a light that shines on AND in you.  And you DO have a song to sing.  I know it!  And as hard as it may be some days to dig through the shit and muck of life; the realities of death, the rough patches in relationships, the stresses of careers, and the children who just will NOT listen or go to bed on time, there is still a light that shines so let it be and celebrate. 

The moral of the story:  There will be an answer, let it be. 

Until next time, my lovelies. 

-R