Release Your Unique Spark
Open up time and space to explore your innate genius
Welcome! This is Hope Sparks, a weekly newsletter about making changes in our lives. Did somebody forward this to you? You can subscribe to the Hope Sparks Substack here.
This week I’m diving into:
Part 1 in my Spark Series: We all have a unique spark to express in this life. Next week →How we source our unique spark.
Spotlight - On client and friend Jan Frolic and her unveiling of her spark.
Reads and Recs - Spark exploration
Step 1: Make space for the spark
spark
I have taken the liberty (as I do with many words) to define what spark means to me in this context.
It’s the unique blend of what you're really good at and what truly lights you up, making everything you do shine with purpose and originality.
Today I want to talk about making space for the spark.
My February space has been my brother’s morning silent meditation sits at 5am each day. Communing with the quiet anchors my days. A closing of my eyes. A come back to my own temple. It’s wild what giving oneself space, and absolute quiet, for an hour can do. It helps me to see how much of my capacity is spent traveling outward. It reveals how many inputs I’m considering from others… before my own. By contrast, an inward bound container opens up the chance to explore barriers, unnoticed stuff, nothing, and me. There is space to lean into ‘What is my compass sharing? What have I not made space to see?’
As my bros James shared, “Open up time and space, and beauty will emerge'“
What is your way to open up time and space?
5 am meditations are not for everyone. For some it’s a long run. Others prefer a bath soak in the dark. I have a friend who goes into her dark room to be with her photography. Whatever your flavour. Try something. Here is my pal Jeff Warren’s Home Base Substack with weekly meditations to carve 5 minutes of space for you. His simple meditations are an easy on-ramp for solo time.
Opening up time and space is where I begin when exploring our spark.
And if doing this alone feels like a struggle, find a partner or buddy to share opening up time and space. I’m also always here to support your internal nudge.
Yes, even you have an innate genius talent. AKA spark.
When you are able to open up time and space, I invite you ask questions. No need to push the answers out. If you’re patient and trusting, they will emerge.
Listen to this little recording. I’ve popped some questions for you to ask below. Feel free to make up your own ones too!
Allowing the Questions
When you’re able to make some time and space, the next step is to a find a spot to jot what comes up for you in this moment. Perhaps it’s your journal? Maybe you’re a sticky note aficionado? However you like to reflect and write, pick your path and answer these questions for you. Ask one question a day. Or zip through the list in one go. I often ask myself one question right before bed, slip into slumber, and awake with an answer.
What activities bring you joy and fulfillment? These can be work-related or personal.
Reflect on your childhood interests and behaviors. Are there patterns that still resonate with you today?
Think about the roles you play in your social circles. What do your friends and family rely on you for?
Consider moments when you've excelled in various situations with little effort. What common thread connects these experiences?
Who are the people in your life that you admire or turn to for guidance? What unique qualities do they have?
Imagine your ideal day. What activities would you engage in, and what skills would you be utilizing?
When have you felt most fulfilled and in your element? What were you doing, and what strengths were you leveraging?
Reflect on feedback you've received from others. Are there recurring themes or compliments about your abilities?
Consider the impact you've had on others. How have you made a difference in their lives?
What aspirations do you have for the future, and how can your unique abilities help you achieve them?
Join me next week for the next part in this series of sourcing your unique spark.
I’m in your corner. Let’s reveal them.
Hope Sparks Spotlight
I'm thrilled to showcase the incredible work my clients are unleashing upon the world. I want you to meet these remarkable individuals too!
You could call me a hunter. I explore the globe to source sparkly people. Those willing to tap their unique spark and share it with others. Meet Jan Frolic - a mother of three, Co-Founder of Captains & Poets and Empowering Speaker on Authentic Personal Identity. Jan has been a leader for most of her life. Recently she has re-discovered how vital her voice is. It's her spark. And a must to her recipe of life.
We live in a world where realness is rare. Jan has an ability to articulate and embody why using our voice matters. Her voice shakes you with a joyous frequency. It's a living, breathing example of what sharing truth looks and sounds like. In her presence, people of all ages light up. They inevitably become motivated to find their voice. I know I have.
Bring Jan (and her remarkable partner Jennifer) to your school. Your educators, students and parents will love her voice- https://captainsandpoets.com/
Reads & Recs
Majik dad and creator Bradley shares the power of creating a manifesto. It’s a testament to his voice and how to stand out.
Sam Moinet is on a mission to support educators to find their unique spark. Check out his brand new program EmpowerED and join a vibrant, motivated cohort of educators keen to reignite their passion for teaching. Starts March 19. Grab your place!
When parents have the confidence and unconditional love to make space for their children to show up as their unique self - sparks show themselves. Here’s my conversation with Life and business coach Kathy Caprino about my own story.
Thank you for sharing your words from last week!
Help me fajondilize the dictionary. I loved the words you all sent in from my post last week. My favourite was: ‘Frocyclish’ - as in “I’m feeling frocyclish” - it’s when one opts to exercise outside in frigid temps and despite hesitation, ends up doing so (doesn’t have to involve a bike, but often does). A dose of frostbite can result. Also joy. Thank you Kirsten!
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See you next week. If you enjoyed this read, please invite your friends. I’m sure they have a spark to source.
In your corner,
With love,
Hope
Amazing article.
Amazing article.