SHAKESPEARE once said: “All the world’s a stage”.

And I happen to think he’s right.

But what about our stages?

The places where we shine. The places where we feel at home. The places where we come alive.

Have you found yours yet?

It’s a funny question to ask granted, but bear with me. Because the inspiration for this post came from the absolute legend that is Oprah and well, if that’s not enough reason to keep on reading, then I don’t know what is. (*winks*)

You see, last week I hopped on YouTube and sat down to a mammoth Oprah session, including an interview in which she spoke to students from Stanford Business School.

During which she explained the importance of us all finding our own stage – the platform through which we can communicate with others and share our talents.

Throughout the interview she talked about her TV network and her Oprah show, and how she used these as her stage, through which she could help people and do the work she was supposed to do.

And it got me thinking.

Where is my stage?

Where is my happy place, which makes me feel magnificent?

Where is the environment which always feels good to me?

And within a flash, the answer came.

My blog.

This very blog that has changed both my life and me, since I first launched it over three and a half years ago.

Pouting In Heels is my stage because it allows me to share my thoughts, my ramblings and indeed, my very world, with you.

It provides me with a powerful platform.

It gives me a voice.

It allows me to communicate.

It is my stage.

And for all the bloggers out there, I’ve no doubt you will feel exactly the same. Makes you think doesn’t it?

But what if you don’t have a blog, what then?

Well, I think there are all kinds of stages.

Perhaps your stage is the workshop where you create spectacular pieces of art or make jewellery? Perhaps it’s the classroom where you teach future generations? Perhaps it’s your home which you lovingly look after and spend your time on?

Or perhaps it’s just you.

Besides this blog, the next stage I have is, I guess, my daughter Elsie.

My most important ‘stage’ of all.

At just three years of age, I am still her world and continue to do my job as her mum to help her become the very best ‘Elsie’ she can be.

Yes she is her own creation, her own person but I created her and continue to help to mould her, so I guess you could say our children are our ultimate stages are they not?!

And what about relationships?

Surely these are a kind of stage too?

Our relationships with our partners, loved ones and friends are all platforms through which we can project ourselves, make a difference and showcase our talents. Just like any job, they all require work, love, maintenance.

We all have the ability to shape people or change someone’s day, through our words, actions and vibes.

So there are all kinds of stages we can create for ourselves.

And when we find them, when we realise what they are, then the next important question to ask ourselves is, I think, how do we use them?

Because we cannot shine on them if we don’t turn up.

We cannot shine on them if we don’t do our best.

We cannot shine on them if we’re not happy there.

Do we use them to do good? Do we use them for our own purpose or for the benefit of others? Do we make them positive places to be?

Our stages are our places to light up. Through which we can contribute to the world. It doesn’t matter if they are big or small. Public or private. Impressive or modest.

Nope.

All that matters is that we find them and use them to create something fabulous.

I’ve most definitely found / realised my stages.

So, I ask you again, have you found yours?

(And if so, what on earth are you going to do with them?)

With love,

Kate