Artist, author, Feisty Female® and facilitator of women's dreams, Sheri Gaynor spent the first half of her life attempting—without much success—to walk the straight and narrow cultural path. As someone with an insatiable curiosity, she spent her early years trying on a lot of hats, trying desperately to make them fit—photojournalist, rubber stamp artist, t-shirt designer and psychotherapist, to name a few—attempting to figure out what she wanted to "BE" when she grew up. Her journey through addiction, depression and anxiety wasn't always an easy one and much was learned through the school of hard knocks; a formidable education. Little did she know that by walking that wide, crooked and creative road, she would find the trail to her authentic self and living the life of her dreams.
Sheri is the author of Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the life of your dreams through art. She is a Licensed Psychotherapist, a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist and owner of Feisty Females® Coaching and Consulting.
MP: Sheri, can you tell us about Feisty Females?
Feisty Females is the name of my coaching and consulting company. It came about because I believe it takes a bit of Feisty spirit to be willing to reach for and step into what we want in life!
MP: Your first book was published earlier this year. How did “Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the life of your dreams through art” come to be?
Creative Awakenings came about after teaching workshops under different names for the last 10 years and one day I realized as some point I had a book as a result! This was my second book proposal to North Light. The first book got very close, but it was several years ago and still a bit "out of the box," for what they were doing at the time. I was disappointed, but did not give up. When I realized I had the premise for another book, I contacted my editor Tonia and gave her the pitch. She loved the idea, I wrote the proposal, and the timing was right this time. It was still a bit edgy for them, but after some hammering out with their marketing department and Tonia's amazing support, we made it work!
MP: Your book is written so that there are several options of putting your plan into action and working through the book. Is there an advantage to doing the 1 year plan, versus the 1 month plan, and is that the plan you'd rather we used if we have the time, or does it matter in the long run?
Great question. I specifically gave the readers options that would fit best into their lifestyle. When I work with clients, I work to individualize their coaching support. People work in different ways. For some The Expedition, a 30-day Mini Visa is a good way to get started, for others, The Voyager, which is a 12-month commitment will give them the push they need to stay connected to their intentions and dreams. The Creative Awakenings Salon was created so readers could connect with others who are doing the process.
MP: What was the biggest change you found in yourself and others, after following your plan? And were the changes shown in both your personal life, as well as the art that you made?
In my clients, students and now the women in the online Salon, what I notice is that the EnVision process allows them to commit to themselves. It also reminds them to take baby steps toward their dreams. In my 20 years of practice I have seen some truly amazing things unfold in terms of people stating their intentions and then stepping into what they want. Yoga studios opening, books getting written, desires for publishing, etc. It's not the Law of Attraction per say, it's about our willingness to honor what's in the deepest place of our hearts, to listen if you will, to "what is calling you?" In my personal life what I see is that I am more willing to take risks. As I said in the book, at one time my life was riddled with fear, depression and anxiety. As I have worked the process these "issues," have decreased tremendously. Using the EnVision Art of Intention process allows me to have a visual representation, a Book of Dreams, that allows me to see the path I have walked. As a visual person, this is really important to me. It's also a way I can remember to celebrate the Milestones on my journey.
MP: After writing Creative Awakenings, would you go through the sacrifices that it takes to have produced this brilliant work all over again? Better yet, is there another book in the works that you can tell us about?
Yes I would! It was a wonderful experience and the response has been truly overwhelming. I am filled with so much gratitude for the lives the book have touched and the artists who took the risk to work with me on the project. There is another book in the simmering stages...maybe two! Oh no...did I actually write that???
MP: A couple of friends plan to work through your book using the 1 year plan. What if any suggestions would you give them as a group to keep on track, and are there any pitfalls or warning signs to watch out for, that could disrupt a group's success?
Another great question. As you know there are guidelines for forming your very own Dream Circle in the book. I think the most important piece of advice is to lay a strong foundation for your intentions as a group. It's great to devote the first meeting to items like the idea of commitment and expectations and what that means to each member of the group. Ideas like a regular once a month meeting times (I.E. First Monday of each month, etc), facilitators, confidentiality and supplies are other great conversation starters.
MP: Like so many you wore many hats before finding your dream. What gave you the drive to keep moving forward when so many settle or give up?
I never felt as if I was on the "wrong," path. Whatever I was doing at the time, somehow felt woven into the experience before it. It felt more like an evolution or unfolding of my life as it exists right now. Sure, there were times I was discouraged, like when I could not get a job on a daily paper when I was working as a photojournalist, but I think I have some inner compass, that keeps me pointed in the direction of my own True North. I was blessed to have a family that encouraged me to try things out. Many of us don't have that kind of support, so we need to find people who will encourage us and won't shut down our dreams!
MP: What have you learned over the years that you wish you had known in the beginning?
Hmmmm... this is not something I think I have thought about, but here's one thing. I wish I had the courage to have taken more risks when I was younger. I was truly riddled with fear. The BIG WHAT IF's kept me captive. I call them the Venomous Toad Committee. It was not meant to be for me and I what I know now is that I had to go through what I did in order to be right where I am in this moment, stronger and much more willing to trust the process. For most of us, I believe it's age and experience that bring this about.
MP: What is one thing each of us can do to live our dreams through our art?
Depending on what your intention is around "living your dreams through art," this will vary for each person. If it's about reconnecting with your creative essence, find time to create AT LEAST once a week or try out Everyday Bliss which I talk about in the book. 20 minutes a day to do something that really rocks your world. If it's about creating a business, find someone who can guide you, who has walked the path before you and interview them, or ask them if they are willing to mentor you. Enclosed in the book is a Deck of Transformation with cards you can pull out that correspond to activities and guiding principles, to support you in living your dreams through art!
MP: Tell everyone about the Creative Awakening’s Salon Community and how it will help us envision our dreams.
This has been one of the most joyous pieces of writing this book. For most of us, the creative process happens in a vacuum. whether it's painting, journaling, scrap booking, graphic design or writing. I created the Salon as a way for readers to connect with one another and cheer one another on with Dream Spirit! I had no idea if anyone would find their way to the community or if anyone would be interested. I kept hearing the mantra we all know, "If you build it, they will come." I decided to trust that voice! I ask members how they found the Salon and when the first person came in that said, "Through the book," I actually cried. It worked! We now have a beautiful global community and there are new things on the horizon.
You can join us in the Salon at http://creataiveawakenings.ning.com.
Thank you so much everyone for joining Debbie and I for this interview. She's an AWESOME woman and it's been great getting to know her!
Sheri Gaynor, lcsw, reat
Owner: Feisty Females.com
Author: Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the life of your dreams through art
Personal and Professional Transformational Coaching and Psychotherapy
Tel: 970-618-0561
Email: sheri@sherigaynor.com
Web: http://www.sherigaynor.com
Book: http://sherigaynor.typepad.com/livingourdreams/news.html
Blog: http://sherigaynor.typepad.com/livingourdreams/
Monthly Newsletter: http://www.feistyfemalescoaching.co/newsletter.htm
Creative Awakenings Salon: http://creativeawakenings.ning.com/
Sheri, thank you for being so generous with your time and art. If you enjoyed our interview with Sheri, please leave a comment to let her know you appreciate the time she took to share with us.
Images courtesy of Sheri.
Great Interview! Really perfect timing for me in my time of life. All the fear from the past, afraid to spread those wings. I do have the book, and have enjoyed it, but have not finished it....now I must go back and do that!
And the artwork is equally wonderful.
Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Brenda Wampler | October 2009 at 07:58 PM
Wonderful interview and beautiful artwork! Thanks for sharing. I've been dreaming up some dreams of my own so it's also perfect timing for me. Off to check out the book....
Posted by: Kelly Warren | October 2009 at 09:16 AM
This really touch a cord with me. so many things I could relate to. I am so happy I found this. I ordered the book and checked out her web site. Thanks so much, Aloha Robin McCoy
Posted by: Robin McCoy | October 2009 at 02:30 PM