Recently I heard the saying: A fool doesn’t learn from their mistakes – A smart person learns from their mistake and the wise learn from the experiences of others.
This reminded me of just how much goodness I learn from my current clients and in my teenage years/ early 20’s from my hairdressing clients and their soulful, stories.
Everyday people including some of the most unsuspecting, have stories of great triumph and of great value to others.
This is how the idea of wanting to share the experiences of others, what they’ve learned and overcome and how they’ve moved forward came to light. Sharing your story is like passing the light, spreading your wisdom around for all to benefit.
A seed was planted in my mind and thanks to the courageous people who answered the call (facebook post actually) and listened to their inner voice (saying share your story so others can benefit) here is the first of the series called : How I learned the hard way.
“Hi Larissa I saw you post on Facebook and was called to share my story in the hopes that others can learn from it without the pain.
I grew up with an emotionally abusive mother who was very controlling and manipulative. Nothing I did was ever good enough, even though I was an A grade student and state level soccer player and gymnastic.
And yes I pushed myself to try to win her approval.
I also grew up in a small country town where my mother did a lot of volunteer work at my school and sports club as a way to “watch over” me. Outsiders saw her as this wonderful devoted mother who didn’t hear the conversations that went on behind closed doors.
At 15 I was raped by a friend of my brother. I wasn’t the first he had attacked but small town gossip perpetuated by my mother blamed the other girl being labelled a slut and that she asked for it by the way she dressed, so I didn’t say anything in fear of judgement.
In Year 12 I “rebelled”, stayed with a friend to finish school and then left town at 16. I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship to university but still worked 2 jobs to support myself to prove to her that I would not fail.
At 17, I met a then 21 year old who I fell in love with, but he was a male version of my mother and being desperate for love I believed his lies of working out of town and tolerated his excessive drinking where he would become extremely obnoxious and abusive, not physically but I subconsciously learnt the power of language. It came to an end one night one of his female work colleagues came to our home, obviously pregnant to say that the baby was his.
Something in me clicked and I refused to believe his lies and left. I stayed with friends and they helped me to stay strong and stand on my own two feet.
Ever since, I have worked on empowering not only myself, but others through the power of language.
The things we tell ourselves and each other is so important. Plus I have learnt that our past does not equal our futures, that I have the ability to do anything I set my mind to.
This was over 20 years ago now and I have learnt many other lessons about myself and my place in it.
Some more painfully learned than others.
What allowed me to finally be strong was a connection to my own intuition and listening and trusting that wise little voice in my heart, that deep down knowing. Connecting with this inner wisdom has been and seemed to be a continuous journey.
I have found that it is strengthened and triggered by my creative practice of writing and painting. A practice that I have recently discovered is my actual purpose for being here – so that I can teach and share it with others.
A practice that I am currently putting plans in place to create workshops and a business around.
Though the fear of judgement and not being good enough still raise their heads, I have learnt to speak with them and use them in my creative practice rather than shy away or try to ignore them as often the lessons they offer are priceless.
I was blessed to have met the most patient, amazing man who shared my love of soccer and helping others. We “accidentally” fell pregnant after only dating for a few months when I was 24. On getting a positive pregnancy test, I was petrified of what life would bring.
But this amazing man and his beautiful family continued to love me and my baby son. Eighteen months later we were married surrounded by family and friends.
That was over 23 years ago. Together we have been on a roller coaster of life building businesses and careers.
My own career is in education where I have worked as a teacher and guidance officer, empowering and sharing knowledge with young people.
I have gone on to complete another 3 university degrees but my greatest achievement is that of being a mother.
Our children are now young adults, we survived them as teenagers. Had proud moments when my son achieved goals in playing soccer and tennis at state level, completing high school as school captain; was delighted when our baby girl found the confidence to overcome social anxiety and obtain a modelling contract and become an advocate for adolescent mental health after the suicide of a close friend.
My life has been far from perfect, but there isn’t much I would change as from the crappy, dark times have come some of the greatest lessons – lessons in the power of love and self belief.
My business website is on the drawing board but my instagram page is
@bronwenhallartist where I post pictures of my latest art works”
Bronwen Hall
Artist, Author and Teacher
Teach your children how to identify their own strengths and challenge them to contribute these strengths to others”
Oh’ my gosh!! What a story! I cried, I laughed, I cried!
Thank you Bronwyn for sharing from the heart and all the tireless work you do to empower young women to rise above their problems.
It makes my heart sing to hear you’ve found art and gained such wisdom from your challenges
Much gratitude xx
Larissa
If you have story you’d love to share or feel a deep calling from within to share them please email me at larissa@everydayinspiration.com.au
