My One Thing

I made this for you....

{"My One Thing," a story-talk from Jenna McGuiggan. Can't see the video above? Watch it on Vimeo.}

Later this week I'll post the behind-the-scenes stories about this video.

I'll tell you...

How it was the result of many months (okay, years) of thought.

How I recorded it in a white box theatre in New York City.

How there were two cameras, professional lighting, and a film crew, oh my!

How I was talking to a group of women who totally heard me and had my back so I could be my own shiny self.

How I put on extra make-up, and then wished I had put on more.

How bummed I was when I found out that my skirt, which was the most interesting part of my outfit, wasn't going to be in the frame.

How I've forced myself to watch this video several times through and name what I love about it, even when I don't love what I see on screen.

And how this whole experience has reminded me that I love being on stage -- and pushed me to seek out more stage time.

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Comments

[Boni Candelario]

Dear Jenna,

What a gift your video is! I found it on today's comments of Marie Forleo's Q&A Tuesday and I'm glad I followed the link. My soul and heart needed to hear your message as I've put the hard limits on myself to pick a focus. Your words helped my soul breathe out a big sigh. Thank you for doing this and for sharing it with the world.

All my best,

Boni

[Carol]

I love this. You just gave permission to all of us, to do what we are drawn to do, with joy and without judging ourselves. Really great.

[Emma Webb]

This is beautiful Jenna - your content is powerful, your passion contagious... You seriously have a gift in delivering your messages is this format. So glad to come across your site :-)

[Elizabeth A.]

You don't need any more make-up. Your smile is radiant!

Thanks for being brave and putting this work into the world, it's what I really needed to hear.

[Pam]

Thank you so much for this! At age 48 I still feel like I'm trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I love the idea that I, myself, am the "one thing." I'll just continue doing what I love and trying new things, even if they seem "scattered." And I'll start using the term "well-rounded" which seems more positive and less judgmental. :)

[simone]

To see and hear you is truly inspiring!
Why?
Because you are eloquent, authentic, compassionate, beautiful
... 4:55 minutes long

... and very brave, too!

Maybe thats why your video travelled all the way to Germany to light up my evening :)

Many thanks and one big hug XO XO

[Erin]

This is wonderful. I've often felt fractured the way you described. It's comforting to know I'm not the only person who feels they don't really fit into any one group or identity. I'll try to remember to embrace the mosaic of who I am.

[Tanja]

I have been trying so hard to put together My Puzzle to find out how to label myself, as if that would make it easier to channel my energy and stick to one dream. I like the idea of mosaic so much more. That would mean that we're all Beautiful work in progress. It tastes so much better. Thank you for bringing this message!

[Ragnhild]

Beautiful! This made my day, and possibly made me take some steps toward becoming my one thing. Love the 'mosaic' metaphor, can totally relate to that.

[Paulina]

Wow!!!! such a wonderful and great video!!! I have been struggling with this same very topic for years.... I was forcing myself to be just that one thing, and I could never decide what!.... I was bombarded with the 'you have to find your niche', but my niche is variety, I embrace everything I am!

Loved this! so inspiring... Thank you for sharing.

Pau

[Jose]

Loved the video, Jenna. You probably know this by now but just in case. Barbara Sher wrote an interesting book called "Refuse to Choose" which put us "scanner" personality types on the map. It's worth checking. There is a TEDx talk by Emily Wapnik introducing the concept of multipotentialite as well.

Cheers

[Alena]

I am so happy i found this video - it made my day.
I keep chasing my tail, trying to find my passion and purpose instead of going and experiencing all the different things.
Thank you for this!!

[Susan]

Love. Love. Love.