In this series we invite you to meet those embarking on their own journey of actively LIVING in the Grey.
Today, we bring you Charlene Lite of New York, NY.
How do you live in the grey?
I am a singer/songwriter and Yoga instructor and quit my full-time office job two years ago to do what I love and love what I do everyday. When you live in the grey, there’s no clear picture ahead of you… but that’s the exciting part. I get to create my life the way I want it one moment/step at a time. It keeps me present and engaged in life in ways that I wasn’t when I was at a regular job to “pay the bills”. I’m grateful everyday I took the leap.
Why is it important to you to live in the grey?
My goals and desires are constantly changing. I’m always rearranging my schedule, working on new projects that inspire me and creating new and innovative ways to grow as a teacher and human being. My dreams have become bigger and I’m more motivated than ever to go after them. I’ve most recently started bringing my guitar to classes to sing in savasana and that’s been the most gratifying. Now I get to combine two of my passions: yoga and music. It’s a great feeling to look back and see how far you’ve come.
What aspect of the Live in the Grey philosophy resonates with you the most?
“Start with what makes you happy. Identify it and fold it into your life.” I can’t express enough how important it is to make baby steps towards living a life you love. I had to find mentors, people who had successfully transitioned into a career that they loved and I asked them how they did it. They all said the same thing: start with baby steps. So I did. I wrote down how I wanted to feel at my ‘ideal job’. I wrote down my passions and decided to enroll in yoga teacher training. I didn’t know if I could make a living teaching or if I would even like it, but I took the step anyway.
Describe the last time your instinct was to run, but you toughed it out and stayed the course.
I was at a yoga audition for a popular gym in the city. It was my third time auditioning. Yep, third time. I heard that voice in my head as I entered the room, “ARE YOU THAT PATHETIC to audition AGAIN?”… But no matter how loud that voice screamed, I continued to stay. When they called my name, I got up in front of the other 20 yoga instructors auditioning and started to speak. My voice was shaking, as well as my body and I just swallowed every ounce of pride and gave it my best. As I walked out, tail between my legs, I thought, oh well… at least I tried. Two days later, I got an email saying I was hired. Lesson learned: try, try, try, try and try again. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
How do you define success?
When every aspect of your life is an extension and/or offering of who you are. When you look around at your relationships, the people you attract in your life, the job you have, the place you call home, when you can be your whole self in every part… that’s success.
Who are three people you would love to collaborate with?
Only three? A few that come to mind…Oprah Winfrey, Marianne Williamson, Justin Timberlake and the founders of this site!
Are YOU living in the grey? Tell us your story here for a chance to be featured on the site!