We recently connected with Alexandra True and have shared our conversation below.
Alexandra, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
In a world where productivity reigns supreme, many believe that artistic endeavors are frivolous and a waste of time. From this perspective, creativity holds no value, yet from my personal experience, it was creativity that provided a lifeline when my world came crashing down. My husband, Dan, of 38 years suffered a severe stroke that left him unable to walk, talk, or swallow. With great determination, he worked through speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy at numerous rehabilitation facilities in an ongoing quest to improve his quality of life. His body ultimately failed to thrive, and the day he died, I lost the love of my life. I was suddenly adrift, suffocating in grief.
It was creativity that enabled me to cope. It was creativity that supported me in the darkest depths of my grief and sorrow. It was creativity that fostered hope within me for a meaningful life. It was creativity that brought me back to being fully alive, not merely moving through the motions of life. Creativity is now my way of life and creativity helps me find my way through life.
For me, creativity taught me that beauty is important. Throughout my day I pay attention to beauty. I seek it out. I look for it and I see it all around me. The appreciation of beauty and creativity go hand-in-hand. Creativity taught me that nature is important. Sometimes as I walk in nature I keep my creative eye open, looking to snap a photographic memory that honors beauty.
There are so many opportunities to be creative, and so many approaches. Sometimes it is laying out the paint, brushes and a blank canvas, putting on some music and dedicating an afternoon to creativity. Sometimes it is grabbing my sketchpad and doodling. Sometimes it is writing a poem in my favorite chair with a cup of tea. Sometimes it is entering cyberspace and focusing on digital art on my phone. Sometimes it is drafting the script for a video shoot. Sometimes it is brainstorming my next steps or planning an event.
Creativity is our gateway into the world of possibilities. Creativity has a way of accessing our subconscious and provides a deeper understanding of ourselves. As I was suffocating in grief, creativity was the lifeline that breathed inspiration into me, and it continues to breathe me. Creativity guided me out of the darkness, and it continues to guide me into the light.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’ve created and now facilitate a program called the Rejuverama Playgroup to empower others to more easily access their creativity for the purpose of healing and living whole-heartedly. The Rejuverama Playgroup is a series of sessions designed for participants to engage in self-discovery through varied creative methods. (No artistic training or skills needed!) The transformative magic of the Rejuverama Playgroup comes alive through the creative endeavors of the individuals and is magnified by the connection with others in a playful and emotionally safe environment.
A new offering, “Drawing Out Your Soul”, is a private intimate retreat for those who are ready to go deeper into self discovery. I want you to be the heroine of your own life. In this time away together, we find ways to reframe our mindset and open our hearts to our true destiny. This is a game-changer for those who are ready to take a leap into greatness.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As I was grieving the loss of my husband, I held onto love. Keeping love alive for him and for myself was so vital. It was important to be kind to myself when I was a “hot mess”, instead of allowing my inner critic to scold me. I reminded myself, that here is no wrong way to grieve. Secondly, no matter how cynical I felt, ultimately, I stayed open to possibilities. Maybe I still had a future worth living I told myself. Maybe I can discover a gift in this devastating situation and maybe I can keep hope in my heart.
Lastly, finding strategies to get my needs met during this time was essential. It meant going deep to know what I needed and taking action to meet those needs. For me, I went on camping trips in nature, because it grounded me and raised my vibration simultaneously. (Dan was the anchor and I was the kite in our marriage.) I spent time cuddling my dog, because she became my best friend. I wrote poetry and painted and danced and snapped photos of anything of beauty. I planned visits with friends and family.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am writing the Rejuverama Playbook for those who want to do the creative assignments on their own. In doing the research for the book, I am looking for volunteers to play with me and to serve as a case study for others. I am in search of people who have experienced loss of some kind and want support and are open to creative endeavors. If that is you, I would love to hear from you. Your story could be included in the Rejuverama Playbook,
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexandratrue.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandratrue?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
