Viola Davis is a diva. Her performances across a host of movies and television dramas make her one of the most under appreciated actresses of our time.
Which is why she surprised me on an Hot Ones episode I recently came across. Now, her appearance wasn’t surprising. What did surprise me was what she said at the end. Her final words were deep. Furthermore, they struck at the heart of our path as gods in human form.
In case you, like me, didn’t know, Hot Ones is a YouTube phenomena. The show features the typical celebrity interview format, but with a twist. Celebrities during the show feast on the spiciest chicken wings on the planet. Most celebrities can’t keep to their PR scripts when their lips and assholes are burning off. So Hot Ones interviews often are surprising, and because of that, enjoyable. I write “most” because Davis handled her wings like a champ.
While watching her devour those spicy nuggets, a common refrain showed itself in the comment section. A lot comments noted Davis’ words at show’s end. Rather than jump to the end, I watched the whole thing. It was inspiring, of course. Obviously, others thought so too:
Clarity begets success
What’s interesting is what she did share reflects the common to us all. She lays it out with such grace and power, making it hard to ignore. Perhaps that’s why her words touched so many.
And this is the thing. Davis’ success isn’t attributable to talent alone. Primarily, like all success, Davis enjoys her’s as a result of knowing who she really is. Then living from that place. Watching the interview, it’s clear she lives authentically. That’s the purpose of the Positively Focused practice: having people live joyfully from their authenticity as gods in human form.
So in a few sentences, Davis sums up the Positively Focused process. Therefore, dear reader, if you’re having trouble accepting what we talk about here, maybe take it from this diva. Here she is, speaking truth. We set the video up to start right where she begins sharing her wisdom.
Clarity is a powerful thing. When a person understands what they really are, they can create anything they want in life. That includes fame as an actress. But first, one must release the penchant to compromise who we are in favor of others’ expectations. She calls that “becoming our ideal selves”.
Listen close to her words
We agree. And perhaps that’s why her closing statement impacted so many people in the comments. Everyone comes “…born into a world where we don’t fit in.” We then “…answer the call to adventure…” that is our daily life. Meanwhile, a “deep voice” within us tells us EXACTLY who we are. Living the Charmed Life happens when we “…have the courage to [be] that.”
I love the power and intensity with which she says all this. It’s definitely worth listening to many times. Some commenters agreed:
Everything Davis says I share with clients weekly, custom-tailored to their life specifics. I don’t use the word “courage” however. That implies risk and threat. But there is no risk or threat in living authentically. It’s all upside. Which my clients find out in a little while.
And guess what? As they do, they discover exactly what you just read. That’s because life IS all upside when lived authentically.
Maybe you’re ready to do that, but don’t know where to start. Of course, I can help. Contact me and let’s get started.