Creative on purpose – Meet Edwina (49/52.2)

Meet Edwina:

In her own words –

©Amy Boyle Photography 2020

“I’m here for a reason.

But not in a predestined way.

I believe that humans are creative beings who find purpose and joy when we allow ourselves, as entirely unique individuals, to create what only each of us can create.

I’m an aggregate of my physical body, natural talents, countless experiences and all of the knowledge that I’ve chosen to take from those experiences.

When I’m stumbling around looking for clarity and purpose, I get stuck in my head and feel lost.

But when I let myself be open and grounded, in the moment and paying attention, I discover personal opportunities to create.

©Amy Boyle Photography 2020

When all of my experiences, attributes, gifts and failings collide with body, mind and soul, the lightbulb goes on…I find my ideas, my imagination, my purpose and my joy.

People often say “Oh I’m not creative”, but we’re all always creating.

We can create a lovely meal, an amazing spreadsheet, a beautiful haircut, or a loving, life changing moment. I know when I view something as an opportunity to create, the outcome is always more elevated. When I consider my work as creation instead of chore, I find new meaning in it. I don’t love to write (and dreaded writing this) but embracing it as creation helped improve the experience for me and the outcome for you (I hope).

When I view a relationship as an opportunity to create love, it can transform the experience. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not often easy, but it’s where the magic happens.

I worked shoulder to shoulder for 17 years in a pit of 300 men as a Trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange where I learned to create relationships that may have been otherwise intimidating.

My love for animals helped me to create C.A.R.E.-Evanston, a shelter and adoption program that’s still saving pets today.

Friendship and curiosity helped me create A Room with A View and Cowell Designs, interior design businesses that unearthed my passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful spaces.

My Dad, who endured World War II’s horrors, helped me create a mindset centered around the importance of Peace and how we might attain it.

My latest creative journey gives my life meaning like nothing I could’ve ever imagined. I create daily as the CVO of Spiritual Playdate, an online Life Skills Program “for kids and their grown-ups”

Spiritual Playdate is a resource for parents and teachers to explore Social, Emotional and Spiritual Topics with kids ages 5-11.

It started in 2006 as a playdate on my family room floor with three 7-year old boys and their moms. It’s since blossomed into a global resource in a time when these are sorely lacking and our youth can feel empty and even desperate.

I believe that creating children who are socially, emotionally and spiritually whole will lead to more mental wellness. I have no doubt that this work puts us all on a path to peace and a better world.

©Amy Boyle Photography 2020

Let’s create something beautiful today!”

*** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Edwina. 52 Phenomenal Women is now in its second year! This is week 49 of 52.2.

Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!