We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Donna Sirlin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Donna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
The bulk of my professional life was dedicated to being a stay-at-home mom. This role not only nurtured my inner creativity but allowed me to delve deep into the profound journey of creating and nurturing life itself—a journey that demands unwavering strength on physical, mental, and emotional fronts. Through this experience, I discovered immense personal growth and fulfillment.
Raising three children, one of whom has learning differences and was diagnosed with autism, added another dimension to my role as a caregiver—I became an advocate. Alongside parenting, I took on leadership roles in fundraisers and community events, actively volunteering for various causes spanning from local charities to international endeavors, encompassing areas such as music therapy, breast cancer awareness, and drug and alcohol education and prevention. I embraced any opportunity to make a positive impact, offering solace to those in mourning and empowerment to those seeking change.
As my children gradually “left the nest,” I pursued certifications in Reiki, Theta Healing, Access Bars, Breathwork, and delved into ancient wisdom teachings through immersive experiences. Yet, it was an unexpected turn in March 2020 that marked a significant shift in my journey. Enrolling in an online art class reignited my passion for art, which had lain dormant since childhood. This seemingly simple decision birthed an art project that blossomed into a book, now titled “Healing through Happiness.” From there, it evolved into a transformative workshop titled “The Art of Healing through Happiness,” opening up new avenues of exploration and growth.
In the summer of 2023, faced with a mysterious illness that defied conventional medical and alternative treatments, it was through reconnecting with art that I found solace and embarked on my healing journey. This unexpected return to my artistic roots not only facilitated my own healing but also allowed me to extend its therapeutic benefits to others.
Donna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My work has been very organic, almost accidental. Although I’ve always been asked by those around me to write a book, I would laugh and say “What would I write a book about”? They all thought I had something to share. After I turned my art project into a book my intention was to print copies for family and friends but the universe had another plan. The person who helped me to bring the book to form let me know that her services included putting the book on Amazon, I laughed again and said “OK book, that’s where you want to go, then let’s go there”! I am a believer in following the energy, and so I did.
Before the book I was offering Reiki sessions, Access Bars sessions and facilitating classes. Now, in addition, I am enjoying giving workshops both virtual and in person using the tools of “Healing Through Happiness”.
What sets me apart from others is my knack for creating a safe, nurturing, and joyous environment where individuals can tap into their hidden power. I firmly believe that nothing becomes a problem unless we perceive it as one. In my book, I pose the question: “What if there are no problems, only possibilities?” My mission is to guide people in shifting their mindset, offering them a new perspective. Through this shift, they discover a vast expanse of possibilities, enabling them to forge a new reality.
My proudest achievement lies in my own journey of embracing change and my earnest desire to share this transformative potential with others. Embracing change isn’t about admitting fault or wrongdoing; it’s about recognizing the inherent power we all possess to manifest beyond our wildest dreams. I empower individuals to uncover this latent potential within themselves, guiding them out of self-judgment and into the freedom to craft a new reality. This, to me, is the essence of my life’s work.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was that I operated according to other people’s thoughts and feelings, sacrificing my own awareness and truth in a bid for safety and love. Reflecting on this belief revealed its stifling effect on my confidence and creativity—a revelation that ran deep in my subconscious.
Through introspection, I discovered that I had long buried my truth, neglecting to assert myself in various aspects of life. Delving into the workings of our brains and bodies in relation to trauma and hidden emotions, I unearthed the root of this pattern. I realized how it not only left us vulnerable to dis-ease but also served as the gateway to healing.
As I delved deeper into this understanding, I began to flourish. The takeaway? It’s never too late to embark on a new journey, regardless of age or the narratives we believe hold us back from living our purpose. And what is our purpose, you might ask? In my view, it’s simply to pursue happiness and infuse life with boundless joy. Just imagine that.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I applied to college, my father bluntly informed me that I wasn’t cut out for it, his words were “You are not college material”. Maybe you’ve heard similar remarks growing up; they tend to stick with us. Despite the sting, I soldiered on, burying my hurt beneath a facade of success. Outwardly, I seemed content, but inwardly, I was battling demons, self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. The facade eventually crumbled as my marriage soured, leading to a divorce and the challenge of raising three young children alone. Lost in the chaos, I struggled to grasp my true identity and potential. It appears chaos is not what we think it is. Chaos is the source of all possibilities.
After years of introspection, I realized the power of acknowledging and confronting these buried traumas. I came to understand how they had kept me small and unwell for so long. My journey toward true success began when I dared to unearth these hidden pains and recognize the vast reservoir of talent, strength, and resilience within myself. I want everyone to discover their own latent greatness, to recognize the untapped potential within. This is my story of resilience—refusing to accept anything that dims my inner light and embracing the realization that I hold the power to brighten or dim it myself. What if this is just the start of something remarkable?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donnasirlin.com
- Instagram: @healingthroughhappiness
- Facebook: Donna Sirlin
Image Credits
@creativecontentloft