The Invisible Woman
Personal Development
February 8, 2013
Chery Gegelman
President, Giana Consulting LLC
Topics
Change, Courage, CultureAs a child, were you fascinated with the idea of being invisible? Or wondered what it would be like to see the world and not have the world see you? Have you ever played spy games and pretended to be incognito?
If you are a fan of Lord of the Rings, The Fantastic Four, Disney’s Now You See Him - Now You Don’t, The Invisible Man or any "Harry Potter" movie, you’ve probably spent some time imagining what it would be like to be invisible.
On the flip side of that is our human need to be truly seen, loved, and accepted for who we are. And to be allowed to use our brains, our hearts, and our imaginations in any situation we desire.
So what if you were suddenly cloaked?
- Would you feel like a little kid and embrace the adventure?
- Would it be like Frodo, putting on “the ring” to be invisible and safe for a moment, but then exposed to dark forces like your own fears?
- Would you become wiser or more humble?
- Would you have fun for a time and then become more desperate to be seen again?
As I prepare to move across the ocean, I know that almost as soon as my feet hit the ground I will be given a “cloak of invisibility.”
When I first pondered that experience, scenes from movies and the media flashed through my mind and my emotions nearly knocked me over. When I shared those thoughts with my husband, I found an unbelievable depth of understanding, support, and freedom.
So while my mind is tempted to listen to my first reaction of fear, and sadness, and the belief that I will somehow be diminished, my heart says that I can choose faith over fear.
And although I’ve not seen my new wardrobe item yet, it has been named “the cloak of invisibility” to remind me:
- To focus on the joy that children experience when they imagine they are invisible and to help me turn this into a fun experience.
- To help me remember that this an opportunity to seek first to understand, to grow my listening skills, and to learn about humility.
- That there are lots of people in this world that are treated as if they are invisible and this is my chance to see them with new eyes.
- ...That perhaps, the cloak will become one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given!
So tell me… When have you felt invisible? What did you like about it? What made it hard? What did you learn?
To read more how we are leveraging our expat journey to learn more about self-leadership and navigating seasons of change ~ or to share your experiences and wisdom ~ CLICK HERE!
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Photo Credits: iStock Photo
Hi Chery,
You comments on the Cloak of Invisibility remind me of how I speak to my students at the start of each year. They are new to me and so I have no preconceived notions about who they are or what they will do. It is their opportunity to reinvent themselves, to be the person, the student they always wanted to be. So as you go on your adventure, your cloak will only work for a little while. Over time more and more people will begin to see you in whatever form you present yourself. It is a rare opportunity, the chance to begin again from scratch. My students get to try again every year. Adults almost never get this chance. I envy you. I hope you love every minute of this journey.
Deb
Deb ~ I love the vision you create for your students and appreciate you sharing it with me!
I don’t imagine that I will love EVERY minute, but do I hope to find joy in most of them! S. Max Brown just shared one of my favorite quotes on Facebook. “It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people that are happy.”
I am very thankful that my husband is not being deployed for a 14 month long single duty assignment. (We’ve done that!) I am thankful for the opportunity to live in another country and learn about another culture. I’m thakful that God has provided multple assurances that this is what we are supposed to do. And I am thankful for all of the wisdom and encouragement we are receiving from people like you!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Chery
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Hi, Chery —
A most thought-provoking and heartfelt post. I think we have the power to choose to wear the “cloak of invisibility” or not. Getting dropped into new circumstances is most certainly a test of resilience. And, it’s a unique opportunity to shine and share your light after you better understand the lay of the land. May yours shine brightly!
Jane