A few weeks ago I had the privilege of taking a three hour walk along the San Francisco waterfront with the legendary artist/author/visionary SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) and talking about her fabulous Dream Boogie workshop (more on that below). As two PAWs (her word for “Powerful Ass Women”) sharing stories, we were relating our challenges with fame.

I was telling her I had a hard time establishing boundaries between myself and my fans, and I had a tendency to over-nurture at the expense of my own health, peace, relationships, and sanity. After giving a lecture on the public speaking circuit, I’d be exhausted and depleted, and yet, when someone who followed me on Owning Pink or had read my book approached me after my talk, I’d drop everything to hug her, answer her litany of questions, and coach her towards a happier life. And then I’d break down because, as outgoing as I am, at my core, I’m an introvert. Being around other people drains me. I replenish my energy by being alone.

Susan said, “You’re like me -- the cosmic tit.”

Lessons in unexpected places

We are not church going people, but we attend one time a year for the childrens’ service on Christmas Eve. It is mainly because our kids ask us to take them and we feel a sort of obligatory duty to expose them to church if they are asking. We figure they will listen to the pastor speak about love, kindness and being a part of something bigger then themselves. All good stuff. This year however, it was I who learned the greatest and most unexpected lesson.