Rewind to nearly two months ago: I was wandering through my local Chapters/Indigo bookstore, looking for a spark of inspiration. You know that aimless kind of browsing, where you’re letting the shelves whisper their secrets to you? That was me. Some people have a leap of fatierh, I had a ‘trip of faith’.
And then it happened. As I meandered down the aisles, lost in thought, I almost tripped over a book someone had left on the floor. Looking down, the title seemed to leap off the cover and straight into my soul: “The Firestarter Sessions” by Danielle Laporte. Intrigued, I picked it up, flipped through a few pages, and something clicked. This wasn’t just a book; it was a call to action.
I brought it home and devoured the first five chapters that night. Danielle’s words felt like they were written for me, like she somehow knew exactly where I was in my journey and what I needed to hear. Suddenly, I wasn’t just reading—I was reigniting something that had been quietly smoldering inside me.
Taking the Leap into EMPIRE
As I dug deeper into Danielle’s work, I discovered she was launching a new program called EMPIRE. Her description hooked me: “The business coach, creative strategist, and support tribe that every soulful entrepreneur needs in their corner.”
I hesitated for a moment—investing in myself isn’t always the easiest decision—but something inside whispered, leap. So, I did. I signed up for a month to see where it might take me.
Within days, an incredible opportunity appeared: participants could apply for one of EMPIRE’s micro-grants by submitting a 90-second video. A chance to pitch my vision and potentially win $1000 to fuel it? Yes, please.
It was late October, just before the New Moon—a phase I’ve been using for intention-setting practices for over a year now. Fueled by equal parts hope and nerves, I recorded and submitted the video (also known as another leap of faith, fueled by New Moon intentions) just before the deadline. Then, I did what you’re supposed to do after setting an intention: I let go, trusted, and waited.
When the Universe Listens
To my utter amazement and gratitude, I received the news: my video had been selected! I’d won the $1000 grant.
Cue happy tears.
I couldn’t believe it—the universe had listened. This wasn’t just about the money; it felt like a tangible affirmation of my dreams, my work, and the leap of faith I’d taken.
With the grant, I was able to purchase the projector of my dreams—just in time for our Open House event on November 12, 2016. That projector became the centerpiece of the workshops I’d planned, elevating my presentations and making my vision come alive in ways I’d only imagined.
What’s Next
Winning this grant wasn’t just a financial boost—it was a nudge to keep dreaming bigger. With the projector now part of my toolkit, I’m excited to host many more gatherings in the future. Up next? Conscious Movie Nights, where we’ll explore films that inspire deeper thought, creativity, and connection. (As soon as I figure out how to get the sound hooked up—because let’s be real, tech is still my nemesis.)
I’m beyond thrilled, completely humbled, and deeply grateful for the way things have unfolded. Sometimes, it takes a leap of faith, a little bit of courage, and the magic of intention-setting under a New Moon to remind you that the universe really is paying attention.
So, here’s to more leaps, more faith, and more moments that leave us in awe of life’s synchronicities.
What’s the next leap you’re ready to take? The universe might just be waiting for you to jump.
