Soul nudges come when you least expect them, sometimes under the most challenging conditions, to see if you’re paying attention. I received one of the most important soul nudges on my birthday: 9/11.
When people discover my birthday is 9/11, one of the first things they say is, “I’m so sorry your birthday was ruined by such a tragic day.” I quickly assure them it was far from ruined.
I changed my life because of 9/11.
I’ll never forget watching in horror as the towers crumbled, feeling devastated by the thousands of lives that were lost.
I was also profoundly present to the thousands of dreams that perished with the holders. All those people who put off following their dreams, goals, and bigger vision of life until the elusive “tomorrow.” Sadly, they ran out of “tomorrows.”
Imagine what more the world missed out on because their dreams didn’t see the light of day.
It was a wake-up call for me.
What Are Soul Nudges?
Soul nudges are those quiet, inner urgings that call you to something greater. They often arise unexpectedly, whispering to you in pivotal moments or through challenging experiences, guiding you toward what truly matters.
For me, 9/11 became a profound soul nudge—one that caused me to take a hard look at my life and make a transformative decision.
How 9/11 Became My Soul Nudge
At the time, I had my dream job. I was General Counsel, running the legal department for a corporation, and a senior vice president in charge of human resources while assisting with nationwide operations. It was exactly the job I envisioned when I went to law school and worked so hard to achieve it.
But that fateful birthday caused me to look honestly and deeply and ask myself: “If I died tomorrow, would I have died with my music still in me?”
The prophetic and jarring answer was a resounding “Yes.”
My soul calling was to take on a bigger role than help operate a company – it was to be an entrepreneur, run my own company, and help hundreds, if not thousands, of people turn their dreams into reality.
I had no idea how to set up a company or what it took to actually be the CEO of a company, but I knew when the soul spoke, there was no denying her.
Asking the Hard Questions: Would You Die With Your Music Still in You?
This was the question that changed everything for me. It’s not easy to face, but it’s vital if you want to live a life true to yourself. I encourage you to reflect on this question: If you died tomorrow, would your dreams, talents, and potential still be untapped?
Trusting Your Soul Nudges
I could trust that by following my soul nudges, she would also deliver the “how’s” in due time.
I had unbridled faith and belief in myself and what I was here to cause and create.
So, while the world was thrown into chaos, I jumped into the fray of entrepreneurship and set up my own law firm. Rather than quitting my job, I transformed my employer into my first client and hit the ground running to figure out how to be an entrepreneur.
That was 23 years ago.
I’ve never stopped following my soul nudges.
My Journey of Following Soul Nudges
From Corporate Leader to Entrepreneur
Over the years, I’ve added a lot of titles and roles behind my name: entrepreneur, attorney, artist, coach, facilitator, advisor, director, leader, chairwoman, humanitarian, to name a few.
I’ve had huge successes and devastating losses.
My lessons have taught me resilience, grit, and determination combined with grace, empathy, and compassion.
I learn something new every single day.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
If you ask me today, “If I died tomorrow, would I still have my music in me?” I’d answer that I will always have something to create, but I would have no regrets because I have been steadfast in following and acting on every single soul nudge.
Reflection Questions for Your Soul Nudges
As you reflect on your own journey, ask yourself:
- Are you waiting for tomorrow to take action on your dreams, goals, and vision of life?
- Are you on your path, defining what you truly want to cause and create?
- Are you taking even the smallest daily action to breathe life into your dreams?
Honor Yourself and Your Dreams
Your Dreams Matter
In honoring those who lost the opportunity, I encourage you to spend some time in reflection to honor yourself, your skills, gifts, talents, and dreams.
Remember – it’s not the size of the dream that matters, it’s the dream itself.
Listen for Your Soul Nudges
Listen for your soul nudges and have the courage to follow them. No matter where it takes you, it will not disappoint.
Put Your Soul Nudge Into Action
If you’re ready to put your soul nudge into action and want some help and support to do it, let’s talk. It’s one of my absolute favorite topics! Here’s a link to my calendar, and we can explore it together!
Carpe Diem!
Joan
I help purpose-driven entrepreneurs upgrade their mindset, eliminate limiting beliefs and reprogram critical, negative self-talk so they can courageously and authentically use their voice, gifts and talents to make a bigger impact.
If you're ready to thrive and develop an unshakeable belief in who you are and what you can achieve, let's talk!
Carpe Diem!
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