Meet Marli Thibodeau | Artist and Creator of The Radiance Way

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marli Thibodeau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marli, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking for me is simply following my intuition. I’ve changed directions many times as a serial entrepreneur, and while it can be difficult to move away from what is comfortable and familiar, taking a chance on something new can be incredibly rewarding. You may even realize there’s more to you than you could have ever imagined.

Sometimes, risk looks like an opportunity that seemingly shows up out of nowhere, creating an opening into a new path that you would have never considered. You are faced with a choice, to go or not to go.
I asked myself this question when in my senior year of high school, instead of going to art school, the opportunity of technical training in the avionics field showed up (thanks to my little brother sending away for a poster from the US Navy ) and when I saw this opportunity – despite the fear, I knew I had to go. And a new path opened up before me.

Other times, the precursor to taking a risk can be a low-lying dissonance, that grows until it becomes intolerable – it is this kind of dissonance that led me to walk away from a contract in the insurance industry one day on a Monday because I simply could not do it any longer. Meanwhile, I had no plan as to what was next, and a lot of people thought it was risky to leave.  But by having faith that my instincts would lead me in the right direction, I came to a career path of coaching and personal transformation where I could work with people in a way that enriches their lives while feeling aligned and fulfilled knowing I can make a difference.

Letting go of what we have known, or known ourselves to be can be both challenging and a powerful vehicle for personal growth. It’s true that each time I’ve made one of these massive pivots it has felt risky and while I was afraid, I simply made a decision to be led by another source of energy and chose the expansive power of my intuition over the limiting quality of fear.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In both my work as an artist and as a facilitator, I’m continually seeking the truest form of expression. Just like our written signature, we each have an energetic signature that infuses everything we do. Just as in creating a painting, there is a unique way you make marks on a canvas; and just as in life, there is a unique set of energies that you carry and express. No one is exactly like you, no one will create exactly like you, and no one has your unique signature.

Living the life of an artist is the embodiment of creating your life as you go. It means learning to understand who you are and then learning to embrace and embody all of who you are. This is your purpose, your unique expression. And you- in all your magnificence – are nothing short of a masterpiece.

I believe that knowing and understanding your unique signature creates an environment for your purpose to emerge and that your true purpose is to be yourself, fully and freely. I infuse these principles in all of my work, and take others through their own process in my program The Radiance Way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am fortunate to live on the Coast of Maine where the beauty is plentiful, wild and free. We have dedicated farmers that provide amazing food to the local restaurants, and plenty of art and music to be enriched by.

First I would take you to my secret ocean place, and then we would explore one of the many sweet little downtowns of Rockland, Rockport, Camden and Belfast. We would hike up the mountains to feel the forest and take in the views of the sea. A film or performance at the beautifully restored Strand Theater, or take in something at the Opera House. We would visit great art at The Farnsworth and CMCA.

Then we would head out to one of the Maine Islands, to Acadia, on Mount Desert or out to Monhegan . Both islands have the most incredible sense of what it feels like to renew your soul.

On your way back to the airport, we would spend the day in Portland to visit more great art at The Maine Museum of Photographic Arts and The Portland Museum Of Art, and find then some fabulous food at one of the many amazing restaurants in the Old Port, followed by live music at One Longfellow Square.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Two of the teachers I had in high school instilled important values I have lived by ever since: Sadie Penzato- Stellefson a painter who gave me her deep love of living creatively, and Alan Krause, an art instructor who taught me what it means to be a professional.

Along with So. Many. Books, and so many authors..anything by Mark Nepo. Lastly, I would like to mention Benjamin Zander, Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and master teacher, who taught me how to hear music.

Website:   www.marlithibodeau.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marli.thibodeau/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marli-thibodeau-9a82436/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marli.thibodeau.artist/

Image Credits
Carol Miller