The Nine Facets

The Nine Facets are aspects of our self which may have been buried throughout our life, as we worked, cared for others, focused on the outside world, or simply self-neglect. They’ve always been there and simply need to be uncovered, rediscovered, and polished to allow our light to shine through. Now is the perfect time to explore these aspects, allowing us to learn, develop and brighten the world in new ways.

There’s no time like now to create a fabulous rest and best second half of life. In my research, conversations with women and my experiences, I’ve identified the most significant Nine Facets of energy we can draw on to live a happier, more fulfilled and connected life (There’s certainly many others I haven’t yet described).

A brief description of each facet, common traits, and simple, interesting ways you can explore that facet. You’ll hear about women who’ve explored this part of themselves, their journeys, challenges and delights along the way. These stories are meant to inspire and encourage you.

I chose a diamond as metaphor because I think they are fascinatingly beautiful, individually varied and a miracle of time, place and change. No two are alike and are as unique as each of us. Diamonds are the hardest of substances, take billions of years to create from 100% carbon, under the earth from heat and pressure. They reflect the light of the world, as well as have a brightness and clarity of their own.

The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” which means invincible or indestructible. Remind you of someone? Diamonds are also believed to protect the wearer from danger, give them strength and courage, as well as contain healing properties to cure everything from fatigue to mental illness. Men wore them into battle, as often as women wore them as adornment.

Diamonds exemplify the many facets we women have in our lives through which our light may shine. Over time in life, we lose parts of ourselves. Isn’t it time to rediscover those facets? Finding long buried interests and passions we once had to bring more light, brightness and pleasure into our lives.

The Nine Facets

	Explore (Adventurer) Explore is a choice we make each day about how we show up in the world—curious, open and interested. It is how we choose to experience the world, near or far. Curious about the surrounding world.  It is less about travel, and more about discovery of our environments and the world around us. Variety intrigues and adventures await.
	Create (Artisan) In any medium of creation, this energy is all about  bringing the new and unique into the world. In many forms—writing, art, glass blowing, jewelry, interior design, fragrances, or photography to name a few. More than a casual hobby, the creative energy flows and taps into a bottomless well of ideas and inspiration.
	Move (Athlete) This facet connects strongly with the body, health, and movement. Whether its yoga and and flexibility, strength or walking with friends, this facet helps to reconnect with and feel comfortable with a healthy body. A focus on well-being and its many aspects, nourishment, sleep, and health is essential for a strong sense of well-being.
	Nurture (Caregiver) Conscious choice or by necessity, the nurturing energy can serve others in various capacities of giving or caring. Nurturing can take many forms, from tending nature and gardens, helping a loved one, or other forms of service to others.  This is often the time when we realize the importance of self-nurturing our own spirit and body to ensure our own health and well-being.
	Build (Entrepreneur) This energy is about building something new in the world—a business, a passion project or a lifelong dream to create a new venture. Changing careers, moving from corporate to freelance, online or other business opportunities, a creative idea which can become a business, or a dream non-profit to serve a need. A love of enterprise and being part of the economic landscape excites her as she captains her own venture.
	Bridge (Torchbearer) Engages successfully and happily connects with people of all ages. Values family traditions and cultural connections, creating celebrations to ensure the family remains connected with one another and to their roots. Busy, engaged and connected, she loves her life, her tribes and communities. This energy may be expressed by the desire to thoughtfully focus on generations and shaping one’s life’s legacy.
	Discover (Sage) Enjoys learning new things and the joy of discovery. A casual interest may becomes a passion to become an expert in a particular field. This may lead to bringing knowledge to others through presentations, books, articles and teaching.
	Savor (Sensualist) A student of the senses, this facet explores and delights in the five (some say six) senses and creates a life rich in texture, tastes, sounds, and scents of her world. Pleasures are found in a life rich in texture, tastes, sounds or scents of the world.
	Impact (World Changer) A strong desire to create a positive difference in the world, this energy addresses causes, people, and injustice to make the world a better place. Armed with life experience, wisdom and compassion and courage, fueled with passion, this is the energy of impact and to make a difference. Either through activism or philanthropy, this energy taps into one’s gifts and resources to serve a need in the world.