Living out loud.

You never know who's watching.

Recently, two women I know told me that watching me reinvent myself as an Executive Coach and Reiki Master — after a 30-year career in advertising — gave them confidence to take a sharp turn in later life. One’s enrolling in Law School and one in Yoga Teacher Training.

The power of suggestion is real. And seeing someone else cut a new path from the well-trod road is compelling.

She’s doing what?

On her own?

At her age?

The importance of living out loud.

We never know who’s watching. And how our actions may be the yeast in a secret recipe someone else is concocting in their own life.

I recently heard Hoda Kotb interviewed. She shared that many years ago she chance-listened to news that Sandra Bullock had adopted a child on her own at age 46. And that one fact ignited a thought in Hoda: it wasn’t too late for her to realize her own dream of motherhood. She now has two daughters.

There’s a difference between exhibitionism and authenticity. One seeks an audience, one invites a connection. And often the tell between the two is whether you live out loud even about things that fail.

When I’m invited to address a group of younger women, I make a habit of mentioning my divorce. Statistics tell me that several of the group are likely in unfulfilling partnerships. Seeing an older woman happily on the other side of a brave choice can feel like a life raft.

In creative circles, we’re also watching.

She made what?

On her own?

With what budget?

We notice what our creative peers are up to. Yet one part of the creative appreciation cycle that rarely gets completed is this: the speaking aloud part.

At the very first 3% Creative Retreat, we did an exercise I named Creative Generosity. We handed out postcards that were already stamped. Each attendee wrote out a message of support/admiration for another’s creative work. We then mailed them. It served to normalize compliments over competition.

Whose career or life have you admired from afar? Who might be admiring yours? You never know. So be sure to live out loud — and speak aloud.

Until next time, remember that creativity knows no bounds.