I am Rising Up - Sharon Shomaker - Blog (Beats of my heart)

I am the Lion, this is my pride

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 22:06:33 GMT

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Everyday I am in relentless pursuit of the person that I want to BE. A mama so convicted in her truths that she finds the strength and grit to keep showing up, the courage to keep making choices from that place, and the faith in the power of intention, intuition and integrity to guide me on this narrow path. Itâ€™s not always easy, but itâ€™s so worth it and I know my children are watching.
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Another full moon...A time to reflect and release

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:49:16 GMT

I've been moderating a community for conscious mamas the last month and hosting New and Full moon calls to allow the rhythms of Earth's cycles to be an invitation for us to drop into our intentions and what is blocking us and wanting to be released.

Sure we could (and many do) reference the Gregorian calendar and pick dates for goal setting and personal growth, but there is something mystical about looking to the sky and realizing that another phase moon is inviting us to honor the passing of time...

It definitely suites my wild and natural tendencies way better than picking a couple of dates each month to work with. And of course gathering with like minded mamas is a beautiful way to tap into the energy and potency of collectively weaving together what we are setting intentions around and what we are ready to release.

Personally I've spent the last two weeks integrating my intention from the last New Moon and like clockwork, the Full Moon is upon us again and inviting us to allow her to illuminate where we are in our growth and healing processes.

The moon will actually be full at 12:43am EST tomorrow morning so those in different time zones will be experiencing it at it's fullest today.

This is such a beautiful time to really LEAN INTO what you are wanting to birth, what you are wanting to create, or the version of you that is calling you to fully step into and embody it; THEN, create space to really look at what is holding you back, what is creating resistance, or what is blocking you from allowing it to unfold.

Where is your growth edge, what is learning you, where are you finding yourself all cozy in your comfort zone??

This is where you will find the juicy sweet spot of what needs to be released.

It is with the reflection of your last New Moon intention and what has unfolded over the last couple of weeks where you will find what wants our attention and is ready to be shed.

How do you work with Nature's rhythms and cycles to support your growth and connect with yourself and others?

Do you have any rituals that you do with your children to help them notice the way nature passes time and how it affects so many parts of life...from moods, to planting, to tides?

Last year my daughter turned 13 and I felt called to create a birthday card for her in Canva, but that one card unfolded into 30+ pages that are waiting some final touches.

This is one of the creations that evolved from the process. The whole project is essentially representative of the journey of learning to look at the world through the eyes of our children and how much magic and wonder abounds from this perspective.

I remember the first time I looked into her eyes and fell in love with her...never could imagine all the places and all the things I would see as I helped her navigate this world and honor her place in it. So grateful for the eyes to see and commitment to overhaul and transform into the person that she needed me to become (or unbecome) to guide her.

If you are interested in joining me in this community of Conscious EarthSchooling mamas or for the call tomorrow (April 6th @ 10:00am PST), let me know and I will point you in the right direction.

You are a gift to this world - A spoken word piece

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 16:46:13 GMT

Statistics say that over 700,000 people take their lives a year and for every suicide there are 20 more failed attempts and many more thinking of taking their lives.

Suicide doesn't discriminate...all classes, all races, all areas of this world are impacted.

These statistics are heartbreaking...even more so as I personally know sisters that are struggling and grappling with these thoughts.

Last night I got a call from a sister letting me know that she thought someone in our sisterhood was gone...

Fortunately that wasn't the case and I was able to share this piece with her and support her.

I have much to say on this topic, but because I know so many are dealing with this, I'll just start by sharing this very personal piece with the hopes to inspire and lift someone up out of their pain and darkness.

We are all gifts to the world...I'll believe that for you until you can believe it yourself.

I can hold your story
I can hold your heart
But I need you empowered
So you can do your part
I need you to love yourself
And find your way back home
To know your meant to be here deep within your bones
I need you believing and convicted in this truth
The fact that your still here, is the fucking proof
I know that life gets heavy and it’s hard to carry on
But what would life be without you, if all of a sudden you were gone
There is no-one else who could ever fill your shoes
And no-one who can shine in all those gorgeous hues
The way you see the world and the mark that you leave
On all who you have touched would be missed in those bereaved
Your work here in this life is no where close to done
The way that I see it, it’s only just begun
You have song and you have wisdom that you are meant to share
You have so many sisters who truly deeply care
It breaks our hearts to think that you don’t see your worth
And that it’s too painful for you to walk this Earth
The pain and the heartache that you feel so deep
Is the path to the medicine that you are meant to reap
We shine our light in the darkness that wants to take you down
When you feel like you’re all alone because we aren’t around
Close your eyes and feel us with your heart
Neither time nor space could ever keep us apart
Feel us with all your senses standing by your side
Knowing that we’re right next to you on this twisted ride
Those who don’t see your value aren’t allowed to have a say
And rob those who treasure you of having you in their days
The lives of those who would miss you and be impacted by this choice
Should be the ones in your head with the loudest voice
The ones who remind you of the gift that you are
Should drown out any others who don’t love you with their whole heart
I know the pain is dreadful and it feels like it won’t end
But trust that the road is smoother just beyond the bend
The days and nights are long and it’s true they’re yours to bear
But I have to speak my truth and make this very clear
You’re a brilliant light that is needed in this world
You don’t need to let it go out just to feel seen and heard
Let this truth ring out and anchor in your core
You are meant to be here…you are a gift to this world

Lessons from Geese & Wild Sisterhood

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 17:17:40 GMT

Over a decade ago; when the vision of I am Rising Up was put on my heart, I stumbled upon this piece that told the story of how geese have adapted to working together as they migrate and I loved how it suggested that we would all benefit if we applied them to our human experience.

As the vision unfolded and I began to take action to rise up to the highest version of myself, I kept coming back to these words. Often reflecting on how having a structure like this in place would be so helpful in our journey of rising up to the highest version of ourselves. This is my dream for wild sisterhood.

Here are some things we could learn from geese:

Fact 1:  As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson: People who share a common sense of direction and community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

The science behind this is used by cyclists, in car racing, and in swimming, which we always referred to as “dragging” whenever we would use it during swim practice to conserve energy, but still keep up with the team. We'd "drag" by swimming as close to the person in front of us, which reduced the force needed to propel forward by the person in the rear. It's a real thing and very effective, but I'm no scientist so I'll leave the explaining to the professionals for those that want to learn more. In short, I thought this was very relatable to the feeling of when momentum builds and how our loads are lightened knowing that others are forging the way and working toward moving in the direction of a shared vision.

Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson:  If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

One of things that I've noticed along this journey is how vital it is to find people with a shared vision. Not only is it inspiring and a source of motivation knowing that there are others out there being the change I want to see in the world, but when that source is actually someone you do life with, the heaviness of all that needs to change becomes a little lighter and life feels a little easier when you find others that are in alignment with how you want to show up in this world. It reminds me of the African Proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together".

Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each others skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.

This is one of the most important lessons from the geese and I believe the most needed as we do the work of rising up to the highest versions of ourselves. The truth is, we are wired for connection and community. A huge part of that is a desire to be valued for our unique contributions and to have a system in place that lends to our growth…to not just receive support, but to meaningfully give it back to others. It is vital because although the rewards of continually choosing to rise up to the highest version of yourself are immeasurable, it comes with challenges. Some days are harder than others and those are the days when you want to know that someone else is taking the lead so that you drop back and rest, regain your strength, and recommit to showing up ready to rise up.

Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson:  We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

Turns out that the sounds that geese make during migration are known as “contact calls” and are used to help them stay together. I think most of us can attest to how priceless it is to know that someone has your back and is cheering you on…that someone else is in the same boat. In that sense, let your “honk” be one of encouragement and solidarity that helps someone continue to show up when rising up gets hard. Scientists have also discovered that their honk is used to ward off intruders, announce their territory boundaries, as a long distance call, to answer a mate, as part of a greeting ceremony after being separated from a mate, and when in flight or about to take flight. Feels very symbolic of how we can use our voice as a resounding presence in this world that reflects what has been put on our hearts.

Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson:  If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

I think this one goes without explanation…there is such a strong desire to have a support system in both moments of strength and when we are struggling. This is what I want to be a part of. A place where we can come together, to show up with our gifts and talents to support others who we are just one step ahead of something on. To share inspiration, ideas, and lighten our individual loads so that we can be resourced in a way that allows us to rise up to the highest versions of ourselves and be the change we want to be in the world.

I’m so ready to stop habitually jumping on Facebook and Instagram…the pull is real and I’m not immune. Even with their practices being so out of alignment with my vision, it still feels like that the best place to reach others who are ready to rise because most people are still gathering there. At the time of this writing, I’m envisioning a platform that is rooted in being ethical with its business practices, that prioritizes showing up in integrity, and that is set up in a way that doesn’t profit off our dopamine hits.

If I build it, will you come? If you’ve found it, let me know!

Author of Lessons from Geese: Dr. Robert McNeish

The Gift of Bedtime - Spoken Word

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Stepping into entrepreneurship has been a bit like trying to jump into a round of double dutch. You remember that game right…two ropes going at the same time and you have to jump in without messing up the rhythm?
Well, that’s been me. I keep watching the ropes pass by and stand there waiting for the perfect time jump in. I go for it, get tripped up, get tangled in the ropes, and then retreat...

The fall hurts…BAD…so getting tripped up is scary and to be honest, there is so much to get tripped up over.

I get tripped up over the fear of falling and failing.

I get tripped up over not getting it right.

I get tripped up over being seen in my vulnerability.

I get tripped up over how to show up as the most fully expressed and authentic version of myself when I would rather DIE than show up here dancing, singing, and in my creative expression. But all of that is me and all of that has been pivotal on my healing journey so it’s all that or nothing.

I get tripped up figuring out how to turn my experiences, unique perspectives, and innate wisdom into a commodity.

I get tripped up on how to turn a heart’s calling into a business.

I get tripped up over tech stuff (email lists, websites, payment systems, calendars).

I get tripped up over how to put together the perfect words to express who I am and why the world needs me.

I get tripped up trying to find time to focus and "move the needle" when my plate is already so full with all things motherhood, healing, and life.

I get tripped up knowing that the world would benefit from me sharing about what living a life outside of the mainstream model looks and feels like, but also dread the thought of the backlash and criticism and judgment that could be waiting in the wings.

I get tripped up over how to speak to my experiences and not paint others in a negative light doing so.

I get tripped up trying to figure out how to share about my journey and still honor my privacy and that of my children in these digital spaces that harvest our data to sell to the highest bidder.

I get tripped up over using these digital spaces as platforms when they feel so out of alignment with what I want in a platform…and the world for that matter.

I get tripped up over what to call myself...coach, mentor, healer???

I get tripped up over wanting to hide away in the jungle and just live my sweet little life all while having a RELENTLESS PULL to share about it so others know there is a different way of doing things.

I get tripped up...I could go on, but you get the point.

And if you are a mama on similar mission, I know you resonate on so many of these points.

It’s been no easy feat to step into entrepreneurship, but I’m frequently reminded that I'm not just learning how to run a business, I'm also doing deep healing work to overcome all the things that allow me to heal myself to a point where I can be of the most service to those who need my medicine.

Because in the healing world, it is well known that you can only help someone heal as far as you have healed yourself so doing the work on myself has been imperative.

In that sense, entrepreneurship is my growth edge…the catalyst to the next level of my own healing.

And healing is no walk in the park. It requires constant examination, and reflection, and deep diving into my triggers and my stuckness. It’s painful, it’s heavy, it’s overwhelming at times, but it is also incredibly LIBERATING and a necessary part of the journey.

There are still so many layers to uncover and excavate, but in regards to putting myself out into the world, I’m SO over being stuck and getting tripped up. It’s been holding me back from sharing messages that the world desperately needs for FAR too long. It’s what is standing in the way of my next up-level. And the hardest part is the blinding truth that what has been standing in my way the whole time is ME.

My stories, my limiting beliefs, my skewed perspective on my value and worth, and my excuses. And I’m OVER all of that.

So with a little tough love from a mentor, lots of encouragement and support from sisters who see my gifts and deeply value who I am, and the guiding light of those who are forging the way, I’m getting over myself and getting out of my own way.

Because the fear of getting tripped up over all the things pales in comparison to not being in service to this heart’s calling.

Starting right now, I’m committing to taking action, being visible, sharing my gifts and crafts, showing up in the vulnerability, and embracing the knowing that falling isn’t failing…it is learning. And I actually LOVE learning.

There is a saying that fear is excitement without the breath. I’ve been focused on the fear for so long that I forgot about how exciting the possibilities of all of this are.

The excitement of creating abundance doing something I love…being in service, continually learning and researching about things I am deeply passionate about, honing my craft, pouring into my wellbeing, inspiring and supporting other people to create something different, creating and sharing spaces with amazing humans, being part of and contributing to important conversations, and being the medicine the world needs.

And if all that wasn’t rewarding and exciting enough, I also get the gift of growing and healing myself along the way. And most importantly, I get to be myself…unapologetically authentic and fully expressed because I know that that right there is the medicine and is what will magnetize my people to me.

I know so many of you have been waiting and watching. Cheering me on. Seeing me put myself out there and then retreating. Seeing my gifts and not understanding what I can’t see, but believing in me unwaveringly.

Well, here I am. I’m coming out of hiding. I’m no longer playing small. With tears in my eyes and my heart on my sleeve, I’m going to show up.

This video is a little peek into my journey…into the process of me moving through the fear and into me exploring new ways of expressing myself and communicating the messages that have been put on my heart. Cue the “vulnerability hangover” that Brené Brown speaks to.

I’m backlogged on sharing what Janne Robinson so eloquently describes as "slabs of my heart" and I’m EXCITED to let all of the things that I have been filing away start making their way into the world.

If you know someone that needs to pick up what I’m putting down, please share it with them.

We all play a part creating change and healing this world. I’d love your help and support in whatever feels right.

Also…I’ve got some BIG NEWS that I’m so EXCITED to share about so stay tuned and come along for the ride if you feel called.

Visibility and Shining My Light as I Come Back Home to Myself

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Nothing like planning a visit back to my “hometown” to bring up up a perfect opportunity to reflect on how far I’ve come.

Chatting here about what came up around that and then followed the thread to explore what it’s like to continually show up striving to align with the most authentic version of myself and the challenges of being visible in that space...

Pondering how many people (myself included) have lived their lives with their light dimmed and don’t have any clue of how powerful they really are and how much potential they hold, and what it is like to be lit up from the inside out.

This is actually what prompted this video...me realizing how important it is for those of us who are coming back home to ourselves and reaping the benefits, to shine brightly and be visible for others to see. To claim our aliveness and vitality so that others can see what is possible...it truly is that spark of hope in the darkness...it is the possibility of something better.

But that space also comes with stories of “too much-ness”...be pretty, but not too pretty...be happy, but not too happy...be smart, but not too smart.

And there I would go...shrinking myself down to a more palatable version of myself to be accepted and liked by others instead of showing up in my brilliance. But that doesn’t serve anyone.

I also touched on how living your dream life is only possible as you traverse the depths of your being and that it isn’t without all the challenges and struggles. It is actually in the holding of the mirror to ourselves that allows us to move from where we are now to where we want to be.

This journey isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is so rewarding to intentionally craft your dream life and experience how magical it all can be.

I wrapped it up by acknowledging that so many people are so disconnected from themselves and their heart, that they don’t even know what their dream life would look like and they have absolutely no idea what their heart wants or needs.

Ask me how I know...

All that and probably some more in just 15 minutes.

If this resonates, I would love it if you join the conversation and let me know how it lands. I honestly way prefer connection over “likes”.

Keep your eyes out for a video where I share about what happened right after I recorded this.

You can’t make this shit up.

Loving Myself to Wholeness - A Self-Love & Radical Acceptance Journey

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT

“Well, I don’t hardly know her”…
Over ten years ago, I asked to see the TRUTH no matter how hard it was to see. What unfolded from that prayer was profoundly life-changing. It became an invitation to hold a mirror to myself and ask if the life I was living was what I would want for my daughter. It was a wake up call to see how lost and disempowered I was. And while most would have you believe that women are losing themselves in motherhood, I could see that I lost myself way before that...

I started contemplating how and when this all happened. When did life become so painful that I just checked out?

Piece by piece I was shown how damaging the effects of mainstream parenting, schooling, media, religion and our culture at large were on my development and the massive role that they played in shaping the person I became.

I’ve spent the last 10+ years vigilantly protecting my children from being subjected to anything that didn’t align with these truths. Every choice was made with the deepest of intentions…from what we consumed in our bodies, hearts, and minds to how we spent our time.

My children are who they are today because of the undying commitment I made to keep the world at bay for them. I stood guard knowing that their innocence, their wholeness, and their innate worth was at stake. I knew the cost was too immense to risk anything else than to stay true to this path.

What didn’t come until much later was how much work that I needed to do to heal from a lifetime of being lost and disconnected from myself. The last couple of years has been a journey of healing. Constant reflection. Pulling back the layers, continually holding a mirror to myself, tirelessly looking at all the ways that I twisted myself, jumped through other people’s hoops, and accepted then conformed to the narrative of what a girl and a woman should be in our society.

Hyper-sexualized, worth tied to the male-gaze, being the good girl and all the niceties, playing small, dimming my light, and doing what I was told. It’s been a process of shedding anything that isn’t my authentic self, coming back home to myself, collecting and reclaiming all the fragmented parts that got lost along the way…returning to wholeness. It’s been a heart wrenching journey of forgiveness and acceptance for all of the ways that I betrayed myself in exchange for love or the approval of others.

It’s been me tending to my inner child and aligning with the highest version of myself. It’s been a journey of self-love and a remembrance of who I was before the world got its hands on me. It’s been filled with grief and rage…the depths of the pain almost swallowed me whole...sometimes daily. It’s been there the whole time, but I was so busy numbing myself and distracting myself in socially acceptable ways to see it…or feel it.

But I’m still standing. And I love the person that I am…and all the versions of myself that did whatever they needed to to get me to this point. Without the drugs, and the alcohol, and the stupid reruns to keep me distracted and comfortably numb, I might not have made it. But I did…despite so many of those choices putting my life in grave danger…more times than I can count. When I reflect on my teen years, I can honestly say that being alive today is nothing short of a miracle.

It’s impossible to fully appreciate where I am today without taking into account all that I have overcome. And as hard as it it to speak about all of it, I feel called to share some of the most intimate and vulnerable parts of my story. Not for sympathy or attention, but because you may think “it can’t be that bad” or “I have it way worse”.

In truth, it’s a calling I can’t ignore…I’ve tried.

The intention is to inspire you to hold a mirror to yourself. To say that it’s never too late to take back your power and return to wholeness. Have hope dear one…the potential to heal, to grow, to evolve, and create a life of your dreams is resting in your hands.

No one is coming to save you. It’s time to save yourself.

“On this sacred path of Radical Acceptance, rather than striving for perfection, we discover how to love ourselves into wholeness.” - @tarabrach