‘In every woman lives a Queen. She is smart, feminine, powerful, spiritual, generous, visible, prosperous, and usually has a great sense of humour. Though she has, enjoys, and requires great material wealth, she doesn't bow to it, nor does she Lord it over others. 

 

Being Queen is about becoming the best version of yourself. A Queen never denies her ability or her worth. She is confident. She doesn't settle for crumbs or scrape by on the bare minimum. She makes excellent decisions quickly and easily. Her boundaries are intact and she's appropriately mindful of the boundaries of others. She doesn't ask for permission, she gives it to herself, in spades.’ 

 

Gina DeVee - The Audacity to be Queen : the unapologetic art of dreaming big & manifesting your most fabulous life 

 

I first listened to this book on Audible a few years ago and it really resonated with me. I’ve recommended it loads of times since to other women. Over the past few months I’ve felt like I’ve been reconnecting with my Queen persona, and I’ve recently finished listening to this book again. Why am I telling you this? 

This time last year I felt a bit blah, nothing major but I felt like I wasn’t exactly firing on all cylinders. I realised that a lot of the symptoms I’d been experiencing were menopause related. I’d been playing ‘menopause whack amole’ – I’d get one thing sorted then something else (and another chin hair) would pop up. HRT sorted quite a lot of bits and bobs out, but you may recall it got to August and I was still feeling somewhat meh and my GP suggested medication for my low mood. 

 

I felt like I’d ‘failed’ somewhat as I was reacquainted with my little green and yellow pal, Prozac. However, as we draw to the end of 2023, I’m feeling back to my old self, embracing my Queen once again, I’m super grateful for the help they’re providing. I’ve got my oomph back! This ain’t my first rodeo, as you might know. I’ve shared my story of many years of depression and my annus horribilis in 2013 before. You may have heard my story around my love of flamingos too. 

My house is full of them. People send flamingo related items to me in the post. I get given flamingo related gifts. I walked into our wedding ceremony to Pretty Flamingo by Manfred Mann and we had flamingo toppers on our wedding cake. They have become a big feature in my life over the past ten years and are synonymous with my business branding. Here’s the back story… 

 

In the spring of 2013, I experienced trauma that completely side swiped me. I was spinning plates and desperately trying to stop them from crashing to the ground. But they did. I needed to rebuild and rise like a phoenix from the ashes. Instead of a phoenix though, flamingos became symbolic of that rebirth. It started with my bedroom wallpaper. 

 

I’d always liked flamingos. They are kitsch, synonymous with mid-century design that I’ve always loved. However, I’d dumbed down my personal taste and compromised in the 23 years I was with my ex. Our home was much more conventional in its décor than I would’ve ever had at one time. 

 

When we separated, I decided I would reclaim the décor. I fell in love with some pink flamingo wallpaper and just HAD to have it. I spent far more than I could afford on 3 rolls and 10 years ago last Saturday, my sister came for the weekend and hung it for me. A friend decided that it was symbolic in more ways than one as she said the words ‘Flaming Go!’. I still have the wallpaper and it still gives me a little buzz of excitement every time I look at it. It was a worthwhile investment. 

 

Then, once I’d invited the flamingos into my life they proliferated. 

As the years have gone on my flock of flamingos has grown; a group of flamingos is actually called a flamboyance did you know? I see this as fitting. As my identity had been lost somewhere along the way I’d become less and less flamboyant and become more mainstream in my clothes and how I decorated my home. I’d become more mediocre. I’d felt drab and boring. Fat, fed up, and frumpy during my low times. 

 

Once I’d reclaimed my identity, dyed my hair magenta, added pink and glitter and leopard print more obviously into my life I felt like I was finding myself again. I was once again unique, standing out from the crowd. I was no longer anonymous. I felt like a flamingo amongst the flock of pigeons. Interestingly, flamingos are actually ‘ugly ducklings’ when young. It takes a while for their glorious pink plumage to appear, and it fades if they don’t look after themselves properly by eating crustaceans. Just goes to show that you are what you eat! 

 

I rebranded my business a few years ago to Lisa Newport Style, the logo even incorporated my handwriting. Moving over to my actual name for my business was another step towards me being my Queen, owning who I am, reclaiming my identity and saying ‘this is me’ – not hiding behind a brand name. It makes me laugh that when people see flamingos now, they think of me. 

In certain spiritual traditions or cultures, spirit animal refers to a spirit which helps guide or protect a person on a journey and whose characteristics that person shares or embodies. Or, as in my case, is also metaphor, for something a person relates to or admires. 

 

I recently discovered that if you identify the flamingo as your spirit animal you tend to be an open book, open minded, a collaborator, in tune with your emotions, wearing your heart on your sleeve, you appear expressive, flamboyant, and fun – I’d say that pretty much sums me up. Especially if you see me in my new pink sequin dress that I’ve turned into jacket! I bloody love it! 

 

Last year with the launch of the FAB Business Club the flamingo spirit animal became even more fitting. They thrive in large groups and form strong bonds, valuing individuality yet are true extroverts, enjoying the sense of belonging to a tribe of likeminded peers. However, it is about the quality of relationships that matter rather than quantity. 

 

According to worldbirds.com it symbolises various things in different religions and traditions: 

 

 

When I started researching around the symbolism of flamingos, I went down a spirit animal rabbit hole! I’ve only scratched the surface here, but I’m really pleased with what I discovered as it’s clear that the flamingos are completely in alignment with me and the purpose of my business. I feel like I’m gaining more and more clarity as time goes by. This makes me really happy. 

I’m currently working on something new which I’ll be launching early 2024 called ‘Raising Your VIBE’. It is inspired by the Queen concept combined with the symbolism of the flamingo standing tall and in your power. It will support you with emotional and physical tools to help you claim your crown. 

 

 

Visibility – to get clarity, to see and be seen. 

 

Individuality – to embrace uniqueness. 

 

Belonging – to accept and feel comfortable. 

 

Empowerment – to live your Queen life 

 

I’m mega excited about it and the ‘Flamingle Fest’ in January will be taster of what’s to come so watch this space. 

 

I’m switching off at the end of this week for the Christmas break. On Friday afternoon I’ll be losing my tattoo virginity as I get my first ink…no prize for guessing what it’s going to be. Thanks for being here with me this year, I appreciate you reading my musings. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year, see you in 2024.