missytaps.com!

I've been wanting to update my website for over a year. I've been frozen with just the thought of completing this task. What would have taken me a month or more took Lauren and Matt a few hours. Lauren even coached me to be able to maintain the site myself. I feel changed and empowered.. no longer stuck in a rut. I'm in awe of the power of this group. No matter what the task is we are always open to it. Everybody is a natural born teacher and mentor. I encourage everybody to find the Lauren and Matt in their personal universe. With the help of friends anything is possible!

Community... a.k.a. better late then never

by Matt

 

I was struggling. It was a weekend where everything that seemed to be going wrong in my life came to a head.  I came to the realization that my finances were worse than I thought.  I had left my job to pursue my goal of becoming a yoga teacher.  While I was loving the training I was not bringing any income in and was not sure how soon after the training ended I would see my first paycheck.  I was staying with friends and did not really have any space of my own.  I could go on and on about all the perceived threats and failures I was experiencing in those few days.

I tend to struggle in silence.  When you struggle in silence it also means you struggle alone.  I like to hide my emotions away - be the one who fixes everyone else's problems.  No one can know that this guy who has answers and advice on every subject in the book has struggles of his own.  This greatness group experience has given me a place where I feel supported to share my struggles.

The week was already planned for Melissa.  I know that my work is asking for help when I need it so I made a powerful request of my group mates.  Can I have this week be dedicated to me in a time of need?  Of course, they both agreed.  In the moment of knowing that in two days I would have Lauren and Melissa in my corner, everything seemed to become manageable.  Me and my community would tackle it together.  I was no longer alone.  I had two other people (who also happen to be two of the most intelligent and compassionate women I have ever met) to help me create a plan and get into action.

Community seems to be a buzz word these days.  Like most buzz words, it seems to have lost some meaning through overuse.  What I am learning is that it is overused for a reason.  In a world where we are taught to suffer alone - hide your hurts away in your room or to your one confidant - community can provide the answer.  When I share my struggles the reward is two fold.  I get support, love and help and others learn that they are not alone.

So when in doubt - share.  Even if in the moment it seems like no one hears you, you never know what chain of events you might start in someones head or even out in the world.

Greatness Over Coffee!!

An Evening at The Moth!!

Melissa and Matt support Lauren for a performance at The Moth at El Cid.

Having been an actress my whole life, public speaking was never an issue, however when I lost touch with my inner artist, performing was horrifying. No longer was I lecturing, I was up sharing stories. Ek! But I did it. I put my name in the hat and out of 34 people, I was selected to share my story!!! Hopefully we can hear it on the radio soon :)

Closet Make Over

The Pantages

by Matt

As the night of my week approached I was at a complete loss for what to do.  I did not have anything looming over my head so I was struggling to think of something.  I had already planned on going to see Hair at The Pantages and figured why not include greatness group.  I, of course, had a wonderful, inspiring beautiful evening.  I also left thinking that not much greatness was accomplished.  I had fun and I know the rest of the group did, but I left judging my choice.   It should have moved me forward, I should have had some breakthrough - really the list goes on and on.  

The following week I was in a yoga class and the teacher read a passage from a book.  Something really clicked for me. The activities in greatness group are not the point.  Yes, they can be huge life changing experiences and meaningful but, no matter what, they will always be great.  They will always be great because we have come together as a group and declared them to be.  Being committed to something bigger than yourself - being committed to someone else winning - is greatness.

Wedding Ceremony