Linda Coussement has been exploring meaning and purpose for many years by intertwining an 18+ year-long career in corporate business consulting with travel, teaching yoga, cofounding a sustainability start-up, photography, and studying the metaphysical concept of meaningful relations. The latter included a yearlong journey across Europe to ask over a hundred people “How is it to be you?” She has recently published her debut magical realism novel ‘CONTRAST’.

In this conversation, Linda shares her journey of owning and speaking her truth, starting with a breakthrough moment in her late twenties. She discusses how her corporate career triggered a transformation and led her to freelance work, which provided her with more freedom and the opportunity to explore her own path. Linda also talks about her year-long journey across Europe, where she asked people the question, 'How is it to be you?' and gained insights into meaningful relationships and the human experience. She shares her interpretation of the Dark Night of the Soul and how she navigated challenging times to emerge stronger and more aligned with her true self. Finally, Linda discusses her debut novel, 'Contrast,' and the themes and messages she explores in the book. In this conversation, Linda discusses her journey of writing fiction and the themes explored in her book. She delves into the depth of the human experience, including love, loss, personal growth, and the quest for meaning. The story revolves around a 68-year-old man who realizes he is dead but still in his own garden, prompting him to search for his true destination. Linda emphasizes the importance of healing and processing trauma, as well as the question of whether life is meaningful. She also explores the contrasts in life, such as beauty and pain, and the need for balance between the masculine and feminine energies. Linda encourages listeners to carve out their own unique paths and overcome the fear of judgment from others. She advises taking baby steps and listening to one's intuition when pursuing what feels true and authentic.

Takeaways

• Owning and speaking your truth is a transformative journey that requires self-reflection and the willingness to explore and express your authentic self.
• Corporate triggers can lead to a deeper exploration of self and a shift towards more meaningful and fulfilling work.
• Taking time for personal exploration and meaningful connections can lead to profound insights and personal growth.
• The Dark Night of the Soul is a period of intense transformation and self-discovery that can be challenging but ultimately leads to greater alignment with one's true self.
• Choosing meaningful relationships over surface-level interactions can lead to deeper connections and personal fulfillment.
• Navigating challenging times requires self-compassion, acceptance, and the willingness to embrace the unknown.
• The concept of time is a societal construct that can limit our ability to fully experience and embrace the present moment.
• The novel 'Contrast' explores themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and the complexities of human relationships. The human experience encompasses love, loss, personal growth, and the search for meaning.
• Healing and processing trauma are essential for personal growth and finding meaning in life.
• Life is a balance of contrasts, such as beauty and pain, and the masculine and feminine energies.
• It is important to carve out your own unique path and overcome the fear of judgment from others.
• Taking baby steps and listening to your intuition can lead to a transformative journey.