Today, I embarked on a new journey—the Conscious Business Accelerator, graciously offered by Aaron Doughty and Victor Oddo. The experience began with Aaron leading us through a guided meditation, inviting us to connect with the part of ourselves we want to expand and express in our conscious businesses. As I settled into the meditation, I felt an undeniable excitement brewing within me—a call to step deeper into my purpose.
Our first assignment was simple yet profound: choose a song that resonates deeply, explain why, and describe how it makes us feel. Instantly, “What a Feeling” by Irene Cara came to mind. This iconic anthem from the 1983 film Flashdance is more than just a hit song—it’s a declaration of perseverance, passion, and transformation.
As I rewatched the music video, memories of the film’s storyline came rushing back. The protagonist, Alex Owens, is a young woman balancing her reality with her dreams. By day, she works as a welder, and by night, she pours her soul into dance, expressing herself in ways that feel both raw and revolutionary. She longs to be a professional dancer, yet self-doubt and the lack of formal training make her dream seem out of reach
What A Feeling video, title song from the movie Flashdance
Her journey resonates deeply with me. There’s a pivotal scene where Alex gathers the courage to apply to the Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Repertory, only to run away, overwhelmed by fear and unworthiness. I know that feeling intimately—the moments when self-doubt creeps in, whispering that I’m not enough. Yet, like Alex, I continue to show up, to push forward, to honor the passion that fuels me despite the uncertainties.
In the film, Alex ultimately gets her audition—not because she follows the traditional path, but because she dares to be herself. Her final dance is electrifying—a blend of raw street style and disciplined movement, embodying the essence of her journey. She stumbles at the start but recovers with grace, proving that authenticity and resilience matter more than perfection.
The song itself is a masterpiece, not just for its uplifting melody but for its powerful lyrics, which echo my own journey of growth and transformation. It wasn’t lost on me that Irene Cara, the voice behind the song, and Jennifer Beals, the lead actress, are both women of color—something rare in the early ‘80s. That representation adds another layer of meaning for me, a reminder of the power of breaking barriers and rewriting narratives.
This afternoon, I took to the healing trails of Sedona with “What a Feeling” on repeat. I laughed, I cried, and I let the music move through me. With every step, I reflected on my own path—the struggles, the detours, the moments of doubt—and honored the resilience that has brought me here.
The song reminds me that success isn’t just about skill or strategy; it’s about believing in yourself even when the odds seem stacked against you. It’s about taking the leap, even when fear lingers. And most importantly, it’s about embracing the journey—stumbles and all—because that’s where the magic happens.
And so, with this song as my anthem, I move forward, ready to create, inspire, and dance through this next chapter of my life. What a feeling, indeed.
What A Feeling
Performed by Irene Cara
Written by Giorgio Moroder, Irene Cara & Keith Forsey
Produced by Giorgio Moroder
First when there’s nothing
But a slow glowing dream
That your fear seems to hide
Deep inside your mind
All alone I have cried
Silent tears full of pride
In a world made of steel
Made of stone
Well, I hear the music
Close my eyes, feel the rhythm
Wrap around
Take a hold of my heart
What a feeling
Bein’s believin’
I can have it all
Now I’m dancing for my life
Take your passion
And make it happen
Pictures come alive
You can dance right through your life
Now I hear the music
Close my eyes, I am rhythm
In a flash
It takes hold of my heart
What a feeling
Bein’s believin’
I can have it all
Now I’m dancing for my life
Take your passion
And make it happen
Pictures come alive
You can dance right through your life
What a feeling
What a feeling
(I am music now)
Bein’s believin’
(I am rhythm now)
Pictures come alive
You can dance right through your life
What a feeling
(I can really have it all)
What a feeling
(Pictures come alive when I call)
I can have it all
(I can really have it all)
Have it all
(Pictures come alive when I call)
(Call, call, call, call)
(What a feeling)
I can have it all
(Bein’s believin’)
Bein’s believin’
(Take your passion)
(Make it happen)
Make it happen
(What a feeling)
What a feeling
(Bein’s believin’)
Happen
(Take your passion)
