The Advice That Changed the Course of My Life
Want to know the answer to a better world?
It’s you.
Yes, you.
Because when a woman begins to heal, grow, and live with intention… everything around her begins to change too.
That’s the ripple effect.
A couple of decades ago, during one of the darkest seasons of my life, the wisest and kindest woman I knew, Shokouh, accepted me as a client and became my mentor and spiritual teacher.
She wasn’t taking new students.
So when she said yes to me, I remember thinking:
Why me? I'm nobody!
I hurried to book a call before she changed her mind!
Years later, she told me why. I have never forgotten — and it shaped the course of my life:
"Heal a woman, heal a village."
Back then I had two young daughters who needed a good example of a mom.
I took those words to heart.
I never stopped working on myself.
Never stopped healing.
Never stopped growing.
Never stopped choosing purpose — even when life felt heavy, unfair, and incredibly hard.
And the ripple effect?
Well… because it’s my birthday week, I’m giving myself permission for a little bragging.
But I want you to take this in — not because this is about me — but because if a woman who once felt lost and unsure of herself could create this kind of ripple effect, so can you.
My daughter Sol, at just 30 years old, this week won the Ad Age Award for Best Advertising Campaign.
Her fiancé Parth just got his tech startup into one of the most prestigious accelerators in the world.
My daughter Francesca is now 32, is producing incredible movies and series and marrying the love of her life.
Her fiancé Brandon was nominated for an Oscar, we'll know if he wins this Sunday!
My husband Leo, at 61, is all in on his art and about to start producing his latest film and composing faith based music. He also went back to his DJ roots and is enjoying it so much.
And me?
I’m getting booked to facilitate my experiences around the world.
My calendar is filling up and my frequent flyer miles are piling up.
Do I think any of this happened because life is easy?
Not for a second.
Out of sheer luck?
Absolutely not!
This past year alone we’ve faced things that feel heavy and unfair — devastating fires, the loss of our home, and the long road of rebuilding.
But when a woman is rooted in purpose, she keeps going.
And when she keeps going, the people around her begin to rise too.
That’s the part I want you to see.
Your healing matters.
Your courage matters.
Your decision to become the best version of yourself matters more than you know.
Because on your way to becoming more whole, more aligned, more fully you…
you give other people permission to do the same.
Your children feel it.
Your partner feels it.
Your friends feel it.
Your community feels it.
You are more powerful than you think.
So if making the world a better place doesn’t feel like a big enough reason to start your own ripple effect…
do it for the people you love most.
Do it for the people watching you.
Do it for the village that will change because you decided to change first.
You’re not too old.
And no, the train didn’t leave without you.
Maybe you just got off at one of the stations for snacks, a nap, or a little existential crisis.
It happens.
Good news: the train is still running.
Jump back on — the best part of the journey might still be ahead.
With love,
Noel
PS: If you’re ready to hop back on the train, I happen to have a beautiful first stop for you.
On March 21st, I’m hosting a Spring Bloom Bash — a creative reset to help you reconnect with what’s already blooming in your life and what’s ready to grow next.
Come spend an hour with me and a room full of incredible women starting their own ripple effects.
