In coffee shops and offices across the world, the conversation starter of the day will be “Did you see the Academy Awards?”

Can you imagine yourself up on this stage accepting your award?

Along with discussing the fashion on the red carpet, people are excited to talk about who went home with awards.

But why are we so obsessed about winning, and what’s the point of airing a show where, as Billy Crystal wryly put it, “millionaires presenting each other with golden statues”?

As a Soul Blazer and a storyteller, I believe that stories are essential to our humanity. They connect us to different aspects of ourselves, and to each other. Movies are stories that bring us together, give us a common, uniting thread. Just think of how many times you’ve spoken to a friend about a movie you’ve both seen and bonded over the re-telling of certain scenes, or lines.

Stories are also key to our well-being. Movies are stories in the visual arts that help us escape from our daily lives and problems, they sometimes educate us, and they allow us to imagine what can be.

So if you’re sick of seeing rich people or celebrities flocking about this award season, turn it around and consider this: What is it about you that allows your buttons to be pushed by these ceremonies?

How do you identify in your life: as an artist? an entrepreneur? a parent? an athlete? a partner? a BFF? Now imagine that there is an award ceremony for that role. Would you win? Would you even be nominated? Would you be invited to attend? If not, let’s explore why.  If you feel you’d be nominated but wouldn’t win, I’m always here to help.  That’s what Soul Blazing is about – connecting to your Authentic Soul and becoming an award-worthy star in your own life.

I challenge you to try one of my favorite Soul Blazing Exercises from my ongoing workshops and retreats. It’s called “168” - representing the number of hours in each week.

Soul Work: As college students, we had our schedules mapped out for us. Specific times were blocked out for our classes and student organization meetings. So most of the time we showed up, with our work, and prepared to listen and learn.

One of the hardest things about being an adult is being responsible for implementing structure in our lives. So, I want you to create your schedule for the week, remembering to keep yourself at the core of it. It’s almost like mapping out a dance routine, knowing where to step, what you’re expected to do, and how you will transition from task to task.

If something comes up and interrupts your schedule, just shift that task to another block of time. But don’t let it drop. Like a term paper, know that your deadline is final and get it done, even if it means having a late-night.

Stick with the exercise and keep yourself accountable for your commitments. Don’t let your “Impostors” deter you. And who knows, if you can do it for one week, maybe you could do it for two? Or three?

And remember. . . Shift Happens.

Lisa