Defining My Creative Narrative: The Reclamation of Felicia Clotworthy | Volume 3, Issue 1

After 35 years, it’s time….for a transformation!

I am always on a consistent reflective, growth path with a focus on creating and defining my life…on my terms…in my way. It’s time to re-invent and re-frame my goals and identity. The mission is a seismic shift: moving away from an education-first identity towards elevating the more intentional creative identity that is integrated and infused with the acquisition of decades of personal, professional and intellectual wisdom.

This is not a story of resignation; it is a declaration of reclamation. I am reclaiming my identity and my creative narrative.

The Intentional Work that Defined Me

For decades, the world of education occupied a predominant space in my life. It was a space where I engaged in the deeply intentional work of creating impactful learning environments, empowering communities, and at the core, inspiring students to strive for greatness.

It was a space I inhabited for a very long time, consuming 199.99% of my time, scholarship and energy across diverse iterations of professional experiences.

Meanwhile, my creative aspirations—my love and inspiration centered around art, fashion, design, garment construction, knitting, painting and my atelier—were often relegated as the “side-hustle”…branded as the “hobby.” My career was education…my creative outlets were the “passion projects”.

Yet, here is the illuminating paradox: That aspect of my identity in the creative arts, was always the part that became elevated and pronounced in everything I did (and do). The creative work I loved became the thing that truly made myself and others feel joy.

Now it’s time to shift that joy into the central focus….consuming my interest, time, and energy.

This is a critical moment and I have the space to build something fresh, new and exciting. At 55 years old, with so much opportunity before me, this is my rebirth.

Liberating the Structure

After 35 years, I am liberating my brand as an educator—that life-giving, positive, motivating, and energetic legacy of my long career in education; that source of impactful empowerment where many individuals were positively impacted—to shifting my focus and reorganizing where my energies are spent.

I am liberating the structure of being an educator in the traditional sense—the instructional, curricular, operational, administrative, programmatic, organizational iterations of the role.

In this liberation is the profound newness of…ME. In Me. By Me.

I am rebirthing my identity as a creative. Everything I do and plan to do is inspired by this force of creativity, informed by my years in the role, service and business of education, but no longer defined by it.

Liberated and Free

I have been a creative for a very long time, both educational and artistic, for the external and intrinsic value. Creating programs, inspiring learning environments, and developing aspirational visions for students, adults, and teachers to thrive. The implementation of my creative spirit within the education sector, will never be diminished or erased. It has served and will continue to serve as the fuel driving momentous academic and scholastic liberation…success!

I am a creative, and as a creative…I am free!

This is the freedom I am designing, defining, protecting and defending.

Some say I am “resilient.” Yes… I am! Based on the definition of “resilience” as, “…[having]…the ability to adapt and recover well from adversity, stress, trauma, or significant challenges, bouncing back to a functional state, and even growing stronger, not just by ‘toughing it out,’ but through flexible coping, leveraging support systems, and maintaining hope. It’s a dynamic process involving mental, emotional, and physical flexibility, allowing individuals to manage difficulties and maintain overall well-being (Google’s Gemini 2024).“

I am ABSOLUTELY resilient! I accept this observation and acknowledgement, because with resilience comes brilliance. That manifestation of exceptional excellence and magnificent talent, shining with the intense brightness required to not merely survive, but to triumph out of an intensely challenging situation. It is the radiant, intelligent application of skill under pressure, transforming adversity into a pedestal for genius success.

I am, and will always be, brilliant. I will always be strong. I will always be exceptional. I will always be an amazing force who will speak up, speak out, and live what I believe. I will always encourage others and create environments for people to feel valued, wanted, loved, heard, seen and encouraged.

Defining and Walking In Your Creative Brilliance

What I strive for in myself, my work, my family and my life, I want for you to discover and live. Discovering your inner creativity, your voice, your strength…your brilliance as the authentic core of your creative narrative. The place and space where you can define your levers for success and reclaim your identity…your narrative. That internal place where you are encouraged to be and holistically thrive.

If the need for a life-altering pivot resonates with you, know that you already possess the magnificent talent to triumph. Here are ways that I manifest brilliance into my life that I encourage you to embody and walk in your own magnificence. Say these positive orations over yourself and your life. The goal is to breath positivity and joy into your identity in order to develop your superpower strength and resilience. Say these out loud daily…

“I am Resourceful: I find solutions where others see obstacles.”
“I am an Innovator: My perspective automatically reframes challenges into new opportunities.”
“I am Self-Defined: I recognize that my value is inherent and cannot be determined by another person, title or an industry.
“I am Magnetic: My true passion naturally draws others to me and inspires them.”
“I am Emotionally Resilient: I acknowledge pain, but refuse to let it dictate my path forward.”
“I Practice Intentional Focus: I am ready to dedicate 100% of my energy to what truly matters to my spirit and soul.”
“I am a Creator: I build, design, and integrate new experiences, environments and outcomes with my hands, words, vision and actions.”
“I am Triumphant: I understand that full liberation is the absolute commitment to success on my terms.”

Step into Your New Narrative…Our Next Steps:

If this journey of liberation and activating your inherent brilliance resonates with your own desire for creative freedom, know that you don’t have to walk this professional journey alone. I created Felicia Clotworthy Collective as a space where brilliance, strength, and creative liberation are championed.

Ready for your own professional rebirth? Explore my Professional Mentoring Programs and let’s craft a trajectory inspired and defined by your goals and expectations.
How does your style define you? Clothing is a powerful source of self-expression, connecting identity and style. Schedule your personalized one-on-one session at The Studio, designed for focused refinement and styling strategy. In just 30 minutes, you will learn how to curate your look and gain expert guidance on building a well-edited wardrobe, tailored just for you.
Be a part of an amazing community. Join The Collective for engaging, thoughtfully curated events, seminars, and gatherings that bring together The Collective community interested in personal growth, curative experiences and creative enterprise.

Be inspired. Be empowered. Be fabulous!

Felicia

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