The Voice: A book to touch your heart...

“The Voice” first showed up in my life as a text from Julia. I read it once and felt my eyes well up with tears… I re-read it and more tears came… I re-read it for the third and fourth and fifth time. “This is incredible” I texted her back. “Is it about me?”

 “Yes,” she replied “and about me and about several others.”

This poem has started a profound transformation understanding of myself and the world I live in. The emotion I felt when reading it was so powerful that I embarked on a journey of finding my own voice. I started a meditation practice and had several coaching sessions with Julia. Now I hear MY voice loud and clear on most days. 

Some days it is still quiet and more work needs to be done.

Since reading “The Voice” and doing coaching with Julia it is getting easier to verbalize what I want and need. I feel happier, because I feel connected to something bigger than my old self. I feel more confident in my decisions. I am less anxious. I am more present with my kids and at work.

“The Voice” has started this amazing journey. I still re-read it and feel goose bumps going down my spine. It is so true, so pure and so powerful.

Elena Johnson, DPT, Healing in Motion Physical Therapy, Denver, CO

"There is truth in the poem.  I spent most of my youth being nearly mute about the things that mattered most.. starting in my 40s I put a lot of conscious effort into learning how to communicate about the things that matter without pushing everyone away. 

The poem reminded me of all of those years of struggle to learn how to authentically communicate without it being a scream of rage - even when the rage was justified.  I still struggle with it, but I am not "sick" like I was when I could not talk at all.  The tension between wanting praise and direction versus being true to one's self seems a never-ending battle at times, but the sickness that arises from not being true to one's self is intolerable.   I can lose it all tomorrow and still be OK because I own myself wholly and in the end as long as I am living by my moral code and being as decent as I can to those around me, then I am doing what I think I should be doing. 

We are all "broken" in some sense, so this idea that we don't deserve the good things in life (love, meaningful work, a voice) because of that universal condition is ridiculous, and yet we fall prey to that lie so often.”

LN, US Government"

“The Voice” was unlike any other piece of literature I’ve ever read. It threw me into a state of intense self-reflection while at the same time gently nudging me to identify and sympathize with the highly successful people that I’ve shared my career with both past and present. In just five short minutes or so, it left a lasting mark and has made me ponder the importance of my interactions as a fellow human, co-worker and leader. 

The tension created by the open unresolved ending of “The Voice” became the perfect catalyst for in-depth conversations about our expectations, career decisions, definitions of success and ultimately our happiness/contentment.

Julia’s approach of leveraging art from which to catapult executive coaching is simply brilliant. Unlike other approaches, it covertly morphs a pack of boisterous alpha dog executives into a group of serene soul-searching pupils, eager to ask themselves the most vital questions…those required to become their absolute best."

Jason Delker – Telecom Executive & Front man of the rock band, The Devil’s Marmalade

“I have chills as I read it and I have tears in my eyes. These lyrics bring me joy, hope, allow me to feel sadness in such a simple profound way. You are masterful with your choice of language and felt sense... I saw a book that every leader needs to read... 

I read it to my 6-year old son, Hadrian, and he said, ‘This poem is about me to connect to my voice and find my space... I need to connect all my body parts to my heart point.’ ”

Ina GjIkondI, Director Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, the George Washington University

”This morning I woke up, and as I was laying in bed my inner critic was especially overactive. So I read The Voice. It was lovely to be reminded of the goodness within, and to get out of my head.

I especially love the picture at the very end with a heart on her back. And I also especially love your bio at the end. You captured the Julia I know so well. Thanks Julia.

Victoria Crawford, Author and Personal Leadership & Transition Life Coach www.wayofdiscovery.com

"I found "The Voice" thought provoking. Isn't there a little of each of us in this poem?  I identified with various themes and found myself asking questions about my own voice. Was it still there? Was I listening? The book's expressive journey is an excellent example of how someone needs to find their path and their voice.This is a good book for anyone who is lost on their path and trying to re-find their voice."

CJD

“I just finished my first reading of your heartfelt book. 

The illustrations are you. And what a poignant story you share.

The closest expression in literature that I have found is The Little Prince. 

I say first reading because I know I will read it again. Thank you for doing the hard work to delve into yourself to find your voice. Thank you also for your courage and vulnerability to share your story.”

John L. Kosut, Arlington, V

“This poem is a gift.  It evokes the universal and speaks to the particular in a way that is both reassuring and empowering. And the concise but evocative language is a pleasure. “

Elly Melamed, Senior Executive, Mother and Grandmother, Washington, DC

“Listening to you recite your poems was like listening to my soul through your words and voice. Thank you very much for those healing poems. I really admire your art, I think you are a great story teller.

More people should be able to read your poems. They really make me think of what I´m doing with my life, where I am going, what´s going on with my feelings, and many other things.

Gena Rodrigez, Business owner and coach, Honduras