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

[Kristin Noelle]

What a wonderful gift this is! *Thank you* for it. My whole body relaxes as I apply it to my own multifaceted life.

[Sarah]

Thank you for this. I'm 23 and I don't fit anywhere but I love all that doesn't fit. It's weird.
I love this video. Thank you.

[Lisa]

Brilliant and beautiful!!!

What a blessing to see you in action, speaking such incredible words of truth, this early morning!

xoxoxoxoxo

[Liz]

Yes. This is truly a gift. You shine here my friend. Shine.

[Kira]

This is a great message that you put so well. You are great on stage and a natural for sure. I have so struggled with trying to define what I do in an attempt to feel more comfortable in the world. Thank you for the bravery to put yourself out there.

[playcrane]

I love this big time!

XO
Jodi

[vivienne]

This is SO incredible Jenna!
So proud of you!

[Cranky Fibro Girl]

Wow. "She is her one thing." Gave me goosebumps.

[Barb Markway]

You totally rocked this! I still feel all scattered and unfocused at age 51. You really reframed this for me in such a beautiful way. Thank you! (And I hope you get to do a TED talk one day).

[Kari]

I enjoyed this so much, Jenna. Your words were wonderful and you're a natural speaker - I do hope you get more time on stage.

PS - You looked BEAUTIFUL.

[Kimberley McGill]

Ok. I love you! I just love you to pieces - all those beautiful little mosaic pieces! You rocked this! And you've made me a bit braver for my crazy idea - .

More. Please!

[Rachelle Mee-Chapman]

Wow. Just wow.

You were so in your element, Jenna. You made me cry.

(Also, I like you.)

-R

[Claire]

I know I'm still searching for my one thing, so thank you for this! You made me cry ( in a good way). Also you looked beautiful chicken, and its good to hear you speak, been a long time since I heard your voice.

Love you,
Cx

[marlee]

All 16,25, and 46 year old, and older, women should listen to your words and take heart. We redefine and refine as we age. And it is a good thing too. Thank you for your sage guidance. I am anxiously waiting for your book of essays and photographs. Keep on rollin'!

[Rae]

Jenna,

This was beautiful. Thank you so much for being brave and putting this out there. This is exactly what I have needed to hear my whole life. I watched this and cried. I am going to share it with my teenaged daughter who is searching for her "one thing" too.

~Rae

[Barbara]

Thanks!

[Laura K Kerr]

Love this! Such a beautiful story of self, and such wonderful storytelling. Thank you.

[Linda]

What a delightful soul you are! I could feel my heart expanding as I watched your presentation. You have a lovely gift my dear! Hope you follow through with your intention to reach more people by being 'on stage' more often. Your delivery of your sweet sweet message will be well received and surely will inspire many. Thanks for sharing your beautiful energy!! Wish I could hug you ;))

[N]

Great video. Your presentation is wonderful just the way it is (even without the 'interesting' skirt)
I was just wondering if you are following "dressingyourtruth.com" This style system categorizes people by movement types. Your hairstyle and jewelry are perfect for a Type 1 person, and the fact that you have very diverse interests would fit a Type 1 as well - the bright and animated person. I'm no expert in this system, so I might be totally wrong, but when you described the dichotomies - I suspected you are a Type 1

[Maria]

I love your video! It brings so much confidence to all of us struggling with finding our spot, our one call in life and it makes me feel that I am great just the way I am, even if a do multiple things pretty good, but none like an expert. All the love to you!

[Lucy Valentina Quinn]

Refreshing and gives permission to all of us whatever our age to be ourselves beautifully. You speak from your centre, from balance and your voice is reassuring and calming but also resonant in your message. Thank you for making this video. Your email essentially allows us to let ourselves off the hook from thinking we have to be do and have one thing.. we are multifaceted divine creatures and it is our birthright to have many things in our lives and your video sets that our very clearly and passionately. Thank you for being you. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for sending us all your strong message. Thank you.

[becky]

Wow, this video really resonated with me so I just wanted to comment saying thank you for sharing this - made my day!

[Jane]

Jenna, WOW, we could be twins in thought!
But you have came to the peace that you are your ONE THING much earlier than I. I arrived at that at the age of 61. My vision board was of a tapestry (yours mosaic) and that all that I am comes together to be ME, and the ONE Thing is the thing I am called and purposed to do - season by season. Thank you for your humble, transparent, and so inspiring video; I may even do one of my own.
Blessings to you this day!

[Renee]

This was fantastic! :) Thanks so much for sharing, Jenna!! :)

[Welsh Rachel]

I'm 44 this Sunday and you just described the 'fractured' me and I realise I'm not fractured I'm diverse, adaptable and empathetic. And that's a wonderful way to be. Thank you for eloquently describing the way I feel, love it. Xx