Lizanne: Feng Shui Element of Metal
Lizanne is the yang to my yin. We have been friends and business partners for over ten years. Having her in my life has stretched me in directions I never thought I would go. I often relate my relationship to her with the feng shui element of metal, which represents completion, creativity and joy. Metal is often embodied in mirrors: smooth, reflective, and infinite.
We are actually quite the opposite. I have the focused and structured mind. She has an open and magnetic personality. These skills and personalities are great for a dynamic business. However, I believe our success in art publishing (Id Collector and Everyday Art Cards) is the combination of our commitment to support and to have ongoing empathy for each other.
In many ways, you could say she is my mentor being many years my senior. She has shared hours of advice of love, marriage and parenting. My kids go to her kids alma matter. I joined the Park Slope Food Coop because of her. She has influenced many aspects of my life.
My Asian background hints to me that I should look up to and respect my elders - a natural hierarchy that should never be crossed and a realm where the elders always have the authority to judge the younger generation. However, with Lizanne, I feel that she is truly my equal in that our acceptance of each other is absolutely matched and profound. When someone really sees you for who you are, it allows for freedom and growth.
Through this unconditional acceptance, she has inspired me to shift and evolve and vice versa. I do know that she has this magnetic affect on many people in her life. Her close friends can probably relate to my description of her: chill, spontaneous, and unique. I am lucky enough to work with her in a way that I am allowed to be and become my best self, while also encouraging her to be her own. I learned from her how to be a good listener, go with the flow and connect with people through generosity. There are no hierarchies of power.
We have shifted and adapted our business over the years. During the pandemic we didn’t work at all, but continued to meet weekly to just create, make things, relax, and support each other. It has been during these non business moments where our creativity and success have developed the most.
Everyday Art Cards sparked out of this pandemic period. We gave each other space and independently explored feng shui and mediumship reading, always with the priority to take care of our respective families first. We then intuitively came together to create these art cards that embody all of our passions and goals to help, heal and inspire people.
How fortunate that I have found my mirror: a reflection of my best self and someone to infinitely cheer me on. I cherish that.
Who in you life do you see as your mirror?