Quotes from Kathy Sparrow

When we buy into those limiting and marginalizing stories, our souls are in exile. We spend our days worrying about pleasing others rather than doing what's right for us—and, ultimately, what's right for our families, our community, and our world.

My story is a perfect example of how, early in our lives, we follow the rules set down by those who come before us—often without questioning why these rules are in place. However, when we observe our circumstances, we may find that the rules keep the current ruler in power—not for the good of the whole, but for the good of the one or the few.

We're held hostage by the stories that other people write for us and about us. We don't stop long enough to question why the story was written and whose purpose it serves.

Fear is the enemy of our "Why"—our calling, our passion, our mission. It prevents us from taking our unique place in the world and sharing our gifts so that others may benefit from our courageous acts. It becomes our imprisoner and, in some cases, the executioner.

When we step into the leading role of our own life, rather than continue to play supporting roles in others, we are energized and vitalized. Work is no longer drudgery. It becomes fun, meaningful, productive, and often profitable.

At times we think it might be easier to play small, to hide, and, for a time, it might be. But the soul's calling is much more powerful. It never goes away. Listening to it brings us energy, peace, and a sense of excitement. Denying it—resisting our calling—is a path into the abyss of despair. We then look to food, alcohol, and unhealthy sexual partners to soothe our agony.

Women can learn to be more confident and protective of our gifts, unwilling to buy into the stories written for us by other people. We can learn to expect to be honored for what we bring to the table. We can learn to unite our natural tendencies to nurture and heal by committing to our purpose, our mission, and our stories—our "Why.

When we endure situations that are toxic to our well-being, we not only compromise our ability to experience joy and happiness, but our bodies also suffer as well.

Our willingness to look at the ways in which we diminish our true expression in the world is the key to peace and freedom.

Many of us commit the error of following the rules of our cultural community, which prevents us from stepping out of our caves and sharing our gifts in the world.