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We carry it inside of us, this thing we might call intuition, imagination, instinct, desire. We lose track of it when we’re temporarily burned out, but the spark is always there. Sometimes it takes one, sometimes two or three of us, but we all have these glimmers, brainstorms, flashes of ideas that take hold and turn into sparks. We can’t just set aside our day jobs, responsibilities, family … but that flicker, oh, that glow. We are all alike in that it takes just a fanning of the flame to set it off. We lead companies, countries, small businesses, families, organizations and movements — and each one began with a spark of desire, for a better world, for a creative life, for giving to others, for solving problems. Lean in? Try bursting into flames. These sparks you carry are a powerful force. They can give life, change lives, and make the impossible, possible. If it sounds like a crazy idea, do it anyway. Don’t let that little “can’t” voice extinguish something amazing. The worst that can happen is you fail, you learn something, and you do it better next time. Make a connection with other women who have sparks that complement your own. Two sparks can supercharge a gem of an idea into a sparkling diamond. Be around women who support your creative pursuits. Let go of the “noes.” Follow the “yeses.” Don’t ignore this electric muse. If you let it smolder and burn, your spark will lead you to your passion, your meaning, your calling, your success. It shouldn’t be a surprise when it does happen. To paraphrase Glenda the Good Witch to Dorothy when she finally reaches the Emerald Palace, “My darling, you’ve had it within you all along.” We say, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! Cover Art: Natalie Taylor Humphrey “You never know what light you might spark in others just through your kindness and your example.” Jennifer Rockwood