GoneGirlGo Logo in 2012
In 2012, I decided to give myself permission to go on and go.
That summer I had an epiphany. I was a middle-aged woman and the picture in my mind of who I was, did not resemble who I thought I was at all!
When I shared this with my dad, or as his grandkids call him “G” (short for G-Dad), he simply stated, “Yea Zo, I guess you are.”
The recognition of that reality and my dad’s confirmation of it rang in my ear for the rest of the summer.
I was in the middle of my life.
As the oldest of three girls, I had never been in the middle before so I struggled to try and relate. But the sudden realization of my median position ignited a pilot light in me! Call it middle age crisis or call it what you want, I needed to do something before my time was up!
As I considered the timeline of my life, I couldn’t go back and redo anything, but I could go forward with intention and gusto!
What if I decided to go forward a little differently than I had in the first half of my timeline?
Confession: I was a dreamer who was always afraid my dreams would turn into nightmares and haunt me. I had ideas, I mean great big ideas, but I wasn’t able to see them as reality because I forever contemplated, walked with trepidation, analyzed, and second guessed myself.
Yet, there was something about being in the middle that compelled me to push my ideas forward so that’s when I decided to do something about it. The term “GoneGirlGo” was actually born on Facebook as a word of encouragement to the many women who were energized to make changes in their lives and the lives of others. Whenever I read a female’s post that seemed to be a declaration of forward movement, I would respond “Gone girl go!”
Then I thought, “Wait a minute! That means something to me!” It soon became an internal proclamation of freedom, and a call for me to move forward.
That’s when I decided to start blogging about GoneGirlGo. I wanted to publicly share GoneGirlGo and encourage women to push forward their ideas. Mainly because I have witnessed how we all have walked with trepidation, ignored our calling, gave others the power to talk us out of our dreams, second-guessed ourselves, downplayed our strengths, and kept ourselves constricted and confined to our own little box.
Because I had this habit of thinking a lot, and not moving forward with my thoughts, I was in new territory. My mind started speaking negative self-talk again.
Would I fail?
I’m not ready.
That’s just stupid.
Who cares, anyway?
But then, I remembered my middle position and pushed forward. I wasn’t going to give in to doubt anymore.
So I took my first step and shared my thoughts with a few close friends. I was shocked when as soon as I said “GoneGirlGo”, they understood immediately what it meant. They encouraged me to explore the concept, so I felt even more compelled to push forward and go.
During this time, another fascinating thing was happening to me. I was being surrounded by other women who were ignited as well. I saw firsthand what happened to a woman when she pushes forward, engages her ideas, and lives her dreams. Again, I had to move.
To organize my thoughts, I created this mind map. It was rough, but from it I was able to see what GoneGirlGo was about.
Then I started drafting my first blog post. The rough draft of the mind map and blog sat on my nightstand for about 3 weeks. It ended up on the floor at some point and stayed there for another week. I finally put it in my bag to take to work where it sat for 2 more weeks.
When I pulled it out again, I said “Go. What are you waiting for?”
With some tweaks here and a few more edits there, it was good and I was determined to start this blog and the journey of GoneGirlGo.
Terre, this is what happens when two people accidently meet on purpose. Thanks for giving me the impetus, and igniting my pilot light. gonegirl go was meant to be and so was this connection! Many blessings flowing from me to you!
I have experienced all the above and based upon your comments, I realizes that I am a middle child being forced to take a front seat and lead leaders.
It is not a comfortable position, however, I realize when you are on the Divine Potter’s wheel nothing is comfortable. I am so proud of your movement for it will help women and men who find themselves adults unable to blame it on youth. We are now place in the position to become the role model, legacy, builders, leader, and wise for the next generation. I love it Zoe and may God bless and guide you on this beautiful journey..#gonegirlgo#
Virginia Woolf, an English novelist and essayist regarded as one of the foremost modernist literary figures of the twentieth century, once stated: “…there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” Through this MOVEMENT, gonegirlgo, you have freed your mind of all apprehension, broken the chains of self-doubt and shut out the “negative self-talk”. Gonegirlgo is the beginning of change not only for yourself, but generations to come. Leave your mark. Gonegirlgo! MUAH!
Girlllll…….!…My Zoe, My Z…My Moo…I am simply loving this journey you are on. In our last conversation when I was trying hard to woo you away from your self-directed and guided efforts, I knew you were on a journey that you would not turn away from this time around. I could feel your energy flowing and that you would not be swayed!…not just from me, but from anything, any thought, or any fraction of the enemy that stands in our way and prevents from doing the work already set out; already destined. God Bless You Zoe. God Bless You and what you think and believe about your life and the lives of those you love; your friends, your family, your children. All of Us:) Thank you for being who you are and never giving up on the ability to make Dreams come true. You are truly my inspiration for so many parts of my life. I love you Today.
Looking forward with you toward what is and what will be. Can’t wait to see what unfolds. You’ve had a seeking spirit all along – good for you to take charge of it and move forward as you feel called/moved to. Hugs and High Fives!
Ladies, all of your feedback and love is greatly appreciated. How is it that everyone knew that I had it in me,but I didn’t know myself?!?! I truly believe that gonegirlgo has been germinating for quite some time and it is ready to take root and grow. I know that you all are with me. Let’s go girls!!!
I also have awakened to this great time of life, looking for direction. At the age of 51, I heard the voice I recognized from my childhood, that of Jesus Christ. He assured me that God did have great plans for my future. Now, I go to him daily, quietly waiting for his will to be revealed. All Gods children are in His great plans! If only one will allow Him to lead the way!
I love the new site. This is great ! Keep pushing forward.