On several occasions, I have dismissed my inner voice that wants to openly acknowledge these incredible men and women, thinking it would be strange to publicly say "Thank You" for each person's contribution to this website, especially those whom I have never met. The questions that I have bantered around in my head for months are, "Isn't this something that I can do privately, with each person individually? Why is it necessary to have something so personal, become so public?"
After much thought and prayer over these questions, I have now come to realize there are many reasons why I am being led to share my innermost thoughts for the world to see. Through my personal process of self-discovery, I am recognizing that it is essential for me to be true to my values of "Heart", "Community", and "Faith" as I boldly step out to acknowledge these people in a way that represents my truest, most authentic self. I am choosing to be the woman that God has created me to be which is a magical blend of strength and power, mixed with vulnerability and love, as I honor who I am within.
My expressions of deep gratitude shared here are being done with three very distinct intentions which represent the essence of the love that lives deep within my heart.
First, it's an opportunity for me to praise and thank God for the depth of His grace, love, and mercy that He's shown me through this process. This journey has been a battle of spiritual proportions and through it all, I've allowed Him to change my heart from the inside out, becoming more like Jesus through it all. The dance has been amazing and it's to Him I give the glory!
Second, it's a chance to celebrate these amazing men and women that God has placed in my life, directly and indirectly, as I share the impact that each has had in speaking to my heart. These incredible people have been used to keep the dream that God planted in my heart alive, so it could be brought forth into the world. I believe that it's important for each of them to experience the genuine acknowledgements of how their gifts, talents, and heart have been used so that each of them can connect with the magnificence that God has placed in them.
Third, as the visitor to this page, it's a way to inspire you on your own journey, giving you a glimpse into the discovery process of "little me" pursuing a "BIG DREAM". It's my hope that as you read this page and explore the contents of this website that you are refreshed, rejuvenated, and challenged as a spark deep within your heart comes alive. It's my prayer that the passion living inside of you is called forth to action, and that you begin your own personal journey to discover the deeper parts of who you really are, and what your greater purpose and dreams are. My ultimate wish for you is that you become the unique and authentic woman that God created you to be, as you live it out each day, experiencing a greater sense of meaning and joy in your life.
For those of you who are resonating with the thoughts expressed, I invite you to ponder this quote shared in the book "Captivating—Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul” written by John and Stasi Eldredge.
“If there is a real woman—even the trace of one—still there inside, it can be brought to life again. If there’s one wee spark under all those ashes, we’ll blow it till the whole pile is red and clear.” –C.S. Lewis
No matter where you are in your journey, there's a possibility there's some truth in this quote for you. Life is a continual process of self-discovery as you grow into the wholeness of who you are authentically—the woman that God created you to be. You have a reason for being here, and without your very special and unique blend of heart, abilities, gifts, and passions, something in the world will not be inspired or will not get done. What is it that the world needs from you?
The time is now for you to step up to your greater purpose, and to step out in faith as you begin the exploration into your soul, the deepest essence of who you are. The world needs you. Are you ready?
I consider my work a blessing and privilege. I'm honored and grateful to have the opportunity to share my passion while impacting the lives of those I serve. I consider it pure joy that you are joining with me today to celebrate the launch of my dream, and that I can share it with you, as I connect with my greater purpose in serving others.
Here’s to the beauty and greatness of your dreams!
Dreaming “BIG” with you,
Shannon Bruce, CPCC June 26, 2006
“Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23
Celebrations of Gratitude:
To Mom & Dad: Your love, your commitment, your ongoing wisdom, and your support have been essential ingredients in this dream journey. You've continued to light and re-light the flame within me, offering me hope and inspiration in times of discouragement, and celebrating the many milestones along the way. I am deeply blessed to have you in my life, and eternally grateful for your dedication to this vision. I love you!
To my Sister Heather: You've been so many things to me...trail blazer, confidante, coach, friend, creative genius, and spiritual partner. Thank you for being a beautiful mirror for me, reminding me of the beauty that lives deep within. I am so grateful for the name you inspired for this business, and for the logo you helped to create. I am so blessed to have a woman of your caliber willing to play "BIG" as we continue to plunge into the deep end and grow together!
To my Daughter Taylor: At almost "6" you have no idea of the impact you've had on my life. You are my inspiration and my motivation. Thank you for being an amazing teacher to me, acting as a mirror into the window of my heart. Because of you, places deep within me have come alive and it's a blessing from God to have been chosen to be your mother. You are my "light" and I love you!
To my Business Partner Jennifer: What a "Journey" this has been, with a capital "J"?! Thank you for the countless hours of reading, writing, brainstorming, masterminding, visioning, dreaming, praying, talking, and growing, that we have both done through this process. You are a woman of faith, strength, love, courage, and nurturing...I am blessed to have you in my life. Today, I celebrate your beautiful heart as we release this vision to the world!
To my "Inner Circle" of Girlfriends—Barb K., Jennifer A., Debbie S., Jules C., Julie G., Melissa M., Amy D., Carol B., Jill J., Mary H. —
To my Clients: You are an amazing woman! I am blessed to have the privilege of supporting you on your journey to becoming "all" of who you are to be as you create the life your heart desires. You have been a presence and a force in keeping this dream alive, and you've kept this vision "real" for me by offering the fullness of your heart to our coaching. It's because of your beauty, courage, perseverance, and transformation that there is heart, passion, and purpose behind this vision, and the programs that will be offered. Thank you for being the inspiration!
To
my Clients who have provided support "Above &
To my Spiritual Mentors—To Betty Barnett for your teaching and discipleship in Christianity, to the Pastors of New Life Church for your vision, wisdom, and Christ-centered messages of grace, love and being on the mission, and to Mark Silver for calling me forth to a daily spiritual practice that I honor steadfastly. You have all been instrumental in growing my faith and drawing me into a deeper more intimate relationship with God, allowing the heart of this business to be inspired and drawn out.
To the Coaches & Trainers that have called me forth and inspired me—Cathy Walker of Clarity International, Steve Wiltshire of Lifeline Coaching & Education, Cynthia Loy Darst & David Darst of The Inspiration Point, Virginia Kellogg of Leadership that Works, Lee Glickstein of Speaking Circles International, Leslie Lupinsky of The Business Catalyst Institute, Mark Silver of the Heart of Business—
To my Neptune Certification Pod, my classmates of The Coaches Training Institute, and the Coaches I have met along the way —Thank you so much for the amazing journey. Each of you have played an integral part of this vision as you remind me of what "coaching" represents. We are all blessed with the opportunity to change the world, one heart at a time, by offering our client's the quiet listening space to be authentic and real, with the room to become "MORE"! Today, I thank you for keeping the "Bigger Agenda" alive within me, and I celebrate your role in a bigger mission to bring peace, love, joy, and harmony to the world!
To my classmates of the CLASSeminar and Speaking Circles International— Thank you for providing me the safe environment to fully explore who I am as a speaker, coach, and human being. It's such a privilege to "play" with others who are committed to living "BIG" and purposeful lives. You have kept this vision alive for me through the experience we shared together!
To the Team and Affiliates of CLASServices—Florence & Marita Littauer, Linda Jewell, Kathryn Robbins, Raelene Searle, Teresa Gilbert—
To the WayPoint Team—Michael W., Tim P., Jennifer P., Christine B., Lisa L.—
To the Authors & Speakers along the way—Bruce Wilkinson, Rick Warren, Tim LaHaye, Katie Brazelton, John & Stasi Eldredge, Beth Moore, Elizabeth George, Zig Ziglar—
To the Musicians along the way—Casting Crowns, Point of Grace, Girls of Grace, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jennifer Knapp, Bebo Norman, Kathy Trocolli, Damaris "Live"—
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