Living Life Your Way....Interview with Kelly Martin

I've been working hard the last few months at overcoming my fears and following my dreams. So I'm running a series of interview with inspiring people to see what part fear has played in their life and how they've overcome it to live life their way...

*Hey! Tell us a little about yourself.

Kelly here! I think describing myself is a funny bit of selfishness; kinda hard every once in awhile to really "decribe" ourselves, don't you think? But in the rush of it, with a drum on my hip...here it goes:

I'm a Wife, and Mama to teens and one out of the nest.  I'm a drummer...Djembes.  I drum alot with groups of womyn around our circle hidden in the backyard. I drum when sad, mad, happy, and glad; when I meditate, or to wake up the teens!

I'm a Chicken herder, Yoga bender, crocheting,  bread-baking, Organic Master Gardener.  I volunteer a ton at our local MetroParks, and when I can afford it drink good wine, and if not, table wine suffices nicely. 

Jane Austen is a favorite on mine, and religious discussion is always at the table.  We are a practicing Pagan/Wiccan/Druid/Unity family.  We adore squirrels and raptures.  Although the eagle that took one of my Chicky babies was not very polite!!

I have a simple, quiet life.  I feel like I'm "underground", as we don't "fit" into main stream society very well.  Unschooling my teens has been liberating and enjoyable and totally against what others here in our area feel is normal.  I don't do "normal" very well.  We have a very Rainbow Family mentality.  We enjoy life as much as we can (although the stress of two mortgages gets alittle heavy.....need a home in Indiana??  How about this one??)....I am best friends with my husband, we compliment each other very well; me a Taurus, and my Sweetie a Scorpio!  *smile*

*Is the life you lead now the life you've always dreamt of? 

No.  I have dreams of Poland, Russia, the Ukraine.  I have no idea.  But my soul wants to travel; to wander.  To Be.  Not to be a tourist, to be a participant.  As comfortable and lucky that we are at this moment; I constantly think of more. 

My "word" for 2011 is : Enlighten.  And I wish to grow and stretch into that word.  Wherever that may lead me.

*When you have faced difficulties, what has been your inspiration to keep going?

  

I will draw on anything I can to keep going.  I have buried a St. Joseph statue on our other property to help it sell, I have called in friends and family to pray, I will open my windows...burn insence and sit and meditate.  I don't think I have an inspiration, as sad as that seems. 

  

I just do.   

I. keep. on. going. one. foot. in. front. of. the. other. 

  

I will say though that positive affrimations are everywhere.  I have even written them on the walls.  I refuse to let negativity get the best of me or be near me!!

  

*Fear affects us all at some point. What part has fear played in your life and how have you overcome it? 

  

I grew up in fear.  My father was a drug dealer and a wife beater.  We had a very wealthy exsistence, my brother and I.  But fearful, always on the alert, always expecting the worst to happen, walking on eggshells.  Being the oldest, I protected my Mother.  

That fear, that shadow, followed me many years until I was able to totally release my expectations of who I thought my father should be to me.  I wanted a Daddy so very much..  And he wasn't.  But he helped provide me life, so for that I am thankful.  I have overcome it by letting it go. 

  

"It is what it is".....mentality.  That first 16 yrs. of my life made me who I am, made the womyn that can speak (loudly if need be), made me an encourager, made me a fierce friend and mate.  

I got over it because I gave thanks for it.

   

*What advice would you offer on following your heart and living your dreams? 

  I would tell you what I have told my daughters: that you are worthy of every dream that you have.  That nothing, absolutely nothing, is out of your reach.  That you are powerful and creative and kind. 

  

I would blow into you a breath of courage to recognize patterns that happen in your life....to have the courage to bend and reshape and choose different paths for the fun of it.  I would remind you that we are all human and to be gentle, to not harm.  I would remind you to go outside and sit and let the trees and wind speak to you. 

  I would remind you that you are so very important and are here for a purpose.  I would tell you to trust your intuition beyond anything; to recognize fear in it's many disguises and stand up.  That what is within your heart and your dreams are the beautiful colours of who you are and not to be scared!  

*What do you think are the three most important things you need to lead a happy and radiant life?

*Trust in my own intuition.

*Friends.

*Courage to bend like the Willow.

One day I'll publish my blog.....it will be under Earthdrummer.......but until then anyone is free to email me...or in the Ohio neighborhood, come and Drumm!!

Blessed Be SisSTars!!

Thanks Kelly!