WOMEN's VISION: Shaping your LIFE

Today more than ever before we need to create and hold a positive vision of our futures. In my lifetime, I've learned this is a catalyst for good.

I read Viktor Frankl's classic Man's Search for Meaning at a very lonely, dark time in my life. At the time, I sat in an abusive marriage, feeling a sense of shame and helplessness. I was an accomplished woman with a terrific career; yet, my personal life had become a concentration camp of fear, isolation and unhappiness. I wasn't setting a good example for my daughter. A strong woman weakened by the control of another person. Sound familiar to anyone?

Unexpectedly, I saw a wonderful film called THE POWER OF VISION by futurist and filmmaker, Joel Barker. One segment of it was about Viktor Frankl's book and experience. He told about how Dr. Frankl concluded that the people who survived the holocaust were those who knew that they had sometimg significant to contribute; those with a positive vision of the future. In the end, Joel Barker quotes Frankl, "There is a peculiarity about man; he can only live by looking to the future and that is what gives meaning to life." The film's message served as a powerful influence that lifted me up and transformed my life. It's message brought out COURAGE inside me that I didn't even realize I had. It helped me realize I had that knowing inside --- I was sure I had something significant left to contribute. With this breakthrough in my own thinking, soon it was as if I was plucked out of that my personal hell on earth place and given a chance for a new life. Looking back now, on my forever-changed life and all that followed, I am deeply grateful for the boldness I was somehow blessed to receive that extracted me from my personal prison. I remain deeply grateful. I know it was nothing less than a Divine intervention.

You can learn more about Viktor Frankl and his powerful work at a wonderful self-learning visual exhibit at the Global Dialogue Center. We did it in honor of Dr. Frankl's 100th Birthday Anniversary a few years ago. It is called Viktor Frankl: The Man, His Message and His Principles (click on the link to take a tour).

SEE POWER OF VISION VIDEO EXCERPT:
By a twist of fate, Joel Barker and I later became professional colleagues some years back. When we did this exhibit, Joel Barker gave me the excerpt that served as a catalyst to transform my life from his POWER OF VISION video for the Viktor Frankl exhibit. Go here; there is a link to watch the video below the exhibit.

Do you have any circumstances that are blocking the power of your vision?
Anything standing in your way? Do you feel like a prisoner in your own life?
How can you ignite your great FREEDOM to choice your attitude...to choose your way?

One of Joel Barker's meaningful messages about the importance clearing the way is summed up in this quote: 

"You can and should shape your own future, because if you don't someone else surely will."

Hope you'll let me know what you think.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

RELATED EXHIBIT at the Women's Gallery:
Light in the Dark: A Tribute to Viktor Frankl
...with a poem from Sara Robinson

Comments

[Shiny]

This is a wonderful reflection on courage, faith, and the recaptured confidence.I think sometimes, people unconsciously make tragedies on their own, with ot without the depressing circumstances. Instead of concenting to the "Life is a drama", we may say: Life is your vision and action!

[Janina Browarska]

Hi Debbe, For me too, there was clearly a divine intervention and one that occurs more often than not. I think when we have souls after God, no matter what the tragedies that befall us, remaining constant to ouselves and holding onto our faith, hope and courage even in our darkest hours, there is always that deep unwavering feeling that we can realize our dreams and goals. We can also come to a place when we can be thankful for even the worst times, for they are some of our greatest testing grounds and even teachers.

Hugs
Nina

[eve online isk]

ou can’t write a show badly and blame viewers for not holding on. Think back writers… what made SG-1 such a success were lovable characters, new tech, new friends, a distinct enemy and hope. The only hope i see in SGU is hope that it is not written and directed like BSG as it seems now.

[buy eveisk]

This is a wonderful reflection on courage, faith, and the recaptured confidence.I think sometimes, people unconsciously make tragedies on their own, with ot without the depressing circumstances. Instead of concenting to the "Life is a drama", we may say: Life is your vision and action!