Last week, during the Trailblazer Retreat, I sat alongside 14 other individuals who all took their turn baring their soul. The effect was incredibly powerful – seeing how vulnerability really creates power. Not only did I share my own vulnerability during the retreat experience, I am taking that authentic relating back into my blogging and daily life.

There is nothing more powerful than a person who can bare their soul to the world unabashedly.

Some of the ways I’m sharing my vulnerable self – If you haven’t already read some of my blog posts where I share my vulnerability – see How to ‘shine’ as an introvert in a group of strangers, Believe in possibility and How did I know it was time for something new? . These have come from in a vulnerable place but I truly believe that for us all to be powerhouses at what we do, we need to see the real people we follow – the successes and struggles. But not just on my blog, but in all aspects of my life, I am working to be my authentic self and share my vulnerabilities, as I believe it helps us all grow.

So many strong females have mastered their masculine energy so well to become the powerhouses they are, and in the process, have lost a deep connection with their feminine energy. I am grateful for the example from Mary Catherine, who helped show how important the feminine energy is through sharing her story, message and teaching of Buti Yoga.

This was me last summer *not* letting go. I’ve learned I need to trust and let go more!

Some of the ways I’m being in my feminine energy – I’ve learned, especially with my husband, that I can’t always be in control. I’m practicing much more of a yin/yang energy and letting go of a lot of my need for control in our relationship and with our kids. It’s been incredible how our connection and energy together has changed!

My friend Nicole has helped me see that I don’t need to dull my flame to make others feel comfortable. Nicole is just 30 years old, owner of very succesful business, mother of two, and photographer. While I have often been concerned about looking showy, because of how other women might judge me, she has helped me see that it is more important to look and feel the way that I want to judge myself, and that this can be used to inspire others when done with the right energy.

Some of the ways I’m shining my light – When I feel awesome and loving and bold and courageous, I’m not going to dim my light in hopes of making others “comfortable” — actually, the reverse, I’m going to shine bright to show others its possible too! That photo of me on the beach – I’ve never shared it before… I’m not going to hold back what makes me feel strong any more!

In November, I encouraged others through my blog and social media to follow a gratitude practice by acknowledging one thing they were grateful for via a photo a day. I really enjoyed this practice and sharing these photos alongside many of you that month.

I also was prompted to think about taking gratitude beyond just the effects that it had on my own mindset, when my friend Brenda shared a practice she recently begun. She has been writing letters of gratitude to friends each week since the beginning of the year.

Some of the ways I’m sharing my gratitude – From this inspiration, I have incorporated writing gratitude letters in my morning routine. The effect has been amazing as I not just acknowledge what I am grateful for, but send off an unexpected note each morning to someone who deserves acknowledgement about what I appreciate about them.

I have created artwork all my life – whether it be hand drawing, coloring, painting, or digital creations. However, I’ve had this horrible habit of taking my work and sticking it in a pile, rather than putting it up to enjoy. How can I create my own self-motivation to enjoy my art, if I don’t even put it up for myself to enjoy it?

A friend recently helped inspire me to put my artwork up – no matter how “elementary it is” to remind myself why I find joy in the creative process, and encourage me to continue honing my skills for the sake of enjoying the pieces I create.

Some of the ways I’m showcasing my artwork for me – I’ve taken down all the artwork from others on one wall in my art room, and have reserved that wall for mine and my kids’ art. I’m not making a big deal of framing anything or making it neat and tidy – just making sure that when I make new pieces they get hung.