My dear friend Ken Jacobs of Jacobs Communications wrote this to me.
“You might encourage your coaching clients to see the movie, “The Kings Speech”. It has a lot to say about finding one’s voice, and about how anything is possible if we go deep, face our fears and walk through them. It really demonstrates that once you’ve done so, you can help others through their scariest moments.”
I have also seen the movie. Ken is sooo right. “The Kings Speech” really impacted me because it reminded me of my own journey and how difficult, overwhelming and painful it was at times. Without the help and support of coaches, mentors, a loving husband and raving fans, I would not have been able to reach where I am today. If you remember, the King gave up more than once. However, he was able to draw himself up and slowly became willing to go deep inside, and face the demons that had robbed him of his dignity. I know that the unconditional love of his wife, children and coach enabled him to keep going. This was a process that happened slowly until the king was really ready to let his demons go, and once he saw it through, it brought his true desire to life.
This is the reason I am so passionate about my work. I get to witness and unconditionally support the journey of my clients towards creating and finding their own power. Most of us do not stutter, but we do have memories, shame and painful other emotions from our past that hold us captive. These are the demons that keep us from reaching our dreams. The movie teaches us that once you are willing to face and recognize the dark feelings and experiences for what they are, you are able to create your desires. No doubt, the process is hard and tough at times. It brings us to our knees but at the same time it toughens and strengthens us to open and grow into who we came “here” to be. Go for it, you will not regret it.
Arlene, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that the film touched you the way it touched me. I think it resonates tremendously with anyone who’s tried, or is trying, to walk through their fear.
I saw a great new ad campaign for the film last week. I usually hate the ads where the audience shares their perspective on a film—to me that always smacks of desperation. But the clips make clear how the film is reaching people in a deep and profound way.
An added bonus for me, as a history buff and Anglophile, is that it’s nice to see George VI—about whom Americans today know so little—and his Queen Consort—who most Americans know only as the elderly Queen Mum—get their due. They didn’t want to be on the throne—anything but. But they rose to the occasion and along with Churchill, inspired a nation during its darkest hours.