Who Knew?

Thank you for all the great responses to the Revolution Me! India Journal post last week!  Your emails made me smile – and in some cases laugh out loud!

Many of you wrote to tell me that you had similar experiences, and some who have met me wrote in disbelief that I was ever quiet or introverted! I promise it is true! In fact, my high school Facebook friends would probably point out, my twin sister was infinitely more outgoing and my older sister far more adventurous!

As I wrote in Where No One Knows Your Name, years before India, I went to Italy. I went to learn more about my family heritage and to study International Law.  I never expected the dramatic changes that would take root in my life or a new  personality would emerge.  I can still remember the first time words poured out of me in my new language.  I was shocked both in how I sounded and what I had to say.  Was that really me sounding so sure, so bold?  Who knew?! It felt so powerful, so me – I knew it was the start of some big changes!

When I returned to New York from Italy it took time for friends, family and colleagues to process the changes…and even more after India!  Each time I stepped outside of my life, I found it easier to focus on becoming me. It wasn’t always easy – it took work – and that’s exactly what I’ll share in the next India Journal!

Thank you again for sharing the India Journal with me – keep your eyes open for the next installment!

India Journal: Where No One Knows Your Name

Even if you haven’t seen this bing commercial yet, you most certainly have felt this way at one time or another…

There was a time when I felt completely overloaded.  It seemed as though it was never quiet enough to hear myself think, to hear that voice inside.  There was always a distraction.  Television.  Internet.   iPod.   Radio. Busyness. Conversation. Meetings.  Even the squeal of the subway.  Distraction found me with ease…and sometimes, I was looking for it.

But then something happened.  I remembered a time when I could hear myself.  When I recognized my own voice and learned to use it, trust it, believe it, enjoy it.

I was an introverted, quiet, studious woman.  And then I moved to Italy, a place where no one knew me or the roles I played in life.  No one knew I was the shy sister, the serious student, the sensitive daughter.  Being in a place where I was no longer expected to be a certain way, I learned who I actually was…extroverted, humorous and strong! More importantly, I learned (more…)