Wisdom from within: Meet Kaileen Elise and unravel the magic of new beginnings

Introductions can be a bit awkward, but there is a certain magic in beginning something new. I am so excited to join the Roots of She tribe! I want to shower you with streamers or send you cards filled with confetti. We could play a game. Remember the one where we go around in a circle and say a word that starts with the first letter of our names? Joyful Jenn would have it so easy! I, on the other hand, grew up introducing myself as “Krazy Kaileen” because I couldn’t think of another k-sounding adjective.

Demographics, family info, personal belongings and career histories never accurately summarize who we are, but that’s so often where we begin. I’m part onion, part open book. There are a lot of layers, but what you see is also what you get. I grew up wanting to be an artist, and then set my sights on swimming in the Olympics. Even when goals aren’t reached, there is incredible value in the paths they lead you down.

These days I’m living, loving and learning in North Carolina. I started KaileenElise.com in 2009 with intentions to spread my creative limbs, travel through time, discover my inner artist, and pursue a more authentic life. Along the way I’ve met some incredible mentors, soul sisters and friends who continue to provide constant inspiration.

I spend my days in a shiny office, helping great companies connect with quality talent. At night I dive through the deep waters of the web, wading through shimmer and sparkle. I dream about culling together enough charm and capital to start a wildly successful business of my own. Until then, I am more than elated to share my musings on this journey – on the girl I once was, the woman I am today and the lady I intend to become.

Leave Your Glass Mostly Empty

“The question, then, is not only how to uncover our fundamental tenderness and warmth, but also how to abide there with the fragile, often bittersweet vulnerability. How can we relax and open to the uncertainty of it?”

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I admired the way the sun poured in and illuminated my wine glass. It triggered a thought from deep within, “you should leave your glass mostly empty.”

Soak up what you can. Leave a little room for something more. Be open to what’s around the corner. Smile. Introduce yourself. Send loving kindness into the universe.

We can get pretty good at sharing our wisdom with others. Advice on relationships, careers, recipes and clothing comes easily. So many of us revel in giving support and validation because we seek out those very same comforts.

We have learned to look outside, to pursue answers from family and friends, mentors and leaders. But what happens when you allow things to get really quiet? So quiet that your thoughts have enough space to simmer and steep. Can you hear the wisdom from within? Do you recognize the caring voice? It whispers at first, but gets louder and louder with time.

We receive conflicting messages – from outside sources and secret thoughts alike. If you listen closely, you will know which are filled with wisdom.