I had two babies, had just moved into a new house, was struggling financially and my art practice felt like a distant memory. I loved my life as a mother as I gave myself over to it wholeheartedly and I was often tired and feeling discouraged about how I would ever find my way back to my art. 

THEN my husband came home and told me he would like to get his doctorate!

'Are you crazy?!' I said. 

'No, I really want to do this' he replied.

After many tense discussions, we realized we needed support. Thinking and talking and arguing was not bringing us a solution. We reached out to friends in our Quaker meeting to support us in discerning the best way forward. Centering into the silence together, we listened for the deeper wisdom in making this decision. Speaking out of the silence, one Friend, trying to be helpful, suggested perhaps I could put my creative life on hold for the five years it would take my husband to complete his doctorate. 

I am normally a pretty calm and controlled person. I like to present myself as pulled together. 

Well, in that moment, I LOST it! The noise that came out of my mouth was involuntary.
I groaned a loud "NO!" before I knew what I was doing. 

My husband and gathered Friends looked at me a bit astonished and confirmed "That's clear!"

In that moment, from my gut, I claimed my passion.

To pursue my art, no matter what. In the midst of my mothering, alongside my husband's path toward his doctorate. It was a need so powerful my spirit could not deny it. 

What started as a crazy idea became the catalyst for deeper reflection about my life and what followed was a clarity bright and true. The process emboldened me to get a studio, set up a regular schedule to get there and make my art and begin to build a network of supportive artists. Exhibitions and accolades followed. 

And while it was never an easy balancing act, I can truly say that deep engagement with my mothering in tandem with my passionate pursuit of my art has led to a deeply satisfying life. 

That was 15 years ago (and, yes, my husband did complete his doctorate!) and I am still feasting on my life!

I believe one of my greatest gifts to my two daughters is to live my own life to the fullest while also being present and supportive to them at every stage. I am a witness to them for what is possible in their own lives. 

What is your passion? Do you have space and time in your life to listen to what your spirit wants to say?

And, if you do know what your passion is, are you're struggling to find the courage to claim it?

Attend to your spirit and claim your passion. That's what I hold for you.

If you are a woman who is longing to make space in your life for your own creative endeavours then I am inspired to support you in truly nurturing your own spirit so that you can claim your passion and pursue it and bring your fullest self to your family, friends, and the world. 

Are you ready to get the support you deserve? Let's get started!
 

Biography

Nancy Murphy Spicer has parallel careers as a professional coach and a professional artist.

She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) having trained with the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), the largest and most highly regarded coach training organization in the world. As a coach, Nancy works one-on-one with clients as well as offering group programmes.

Nancy is also a professional artist having studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Based at the vibrant art community of Spike Island in Bristol, UK, her work takes many forms including works on paper, video, installation and sculpture. She is represented by Carroll and Sons Gallery in Boston and her work is held in private collections in the US, England, and Germany. For a view of Nancy's artwork, click here.

For many years, she operated Murphy Spicer Design in Boston, Massachusetts, working with major healthcare and education institutions as well as non-profits and solopreneurs. 

Nancy is a Quaker and practices Buddhist meditation in the Shambhala tradition. Her daily connection practice includes yoga and meditation. She is an avid walker and cyclist. 

She lives in Bath, England, with her husband of 24 years, Dr. David Eddy Spicer.