about.
It’s time to stop telling the same “old” stories.
Let’s face it. We live in a world where 20-year-olds think they need Botox. And the rest of us are made to feel like there’s an expiration date on our foreheads.
At 50, after being let go of my big fat advertising job, I became acutely aware of what I call “The Age Cage.” Those imprisoning stories and stereotypes that render us invisible, irrelevant, too old, too late, too wrinkled, too blah-blah-blah.
Well, I believe it’s time to re-brand aging. And re-frame it as a process of becoming More of Who We Are. Not Less of What We Were.
It’s something I write about, speak about and give workshops about.
I’m all about inspiring women to create a new ageless, cageless story.
my story.
Who knew a bug would change the way I looked at aging?
In my past life, I was an award-winning copywriter and Creative Director in the youth-obsessed world of advertising.
At 50, I lost my job. And found myself sobbing in the backyard, asking the Universe “Am I too old to reinvent myself? Please give me a sign.”
I went for a walk and came home to find hundreds of red dragonflies, swarming our patio. I discovered that dragonflies spend most of their lives crawling in the muck at the bottom of a pond. And don’t grow their magical wings until later in life.
Then, when dragonflies flew across my windshield on the 10, 101 and 405 Freeways, I knew they seriously wanted me to receive and share their message that “it’s never too late to soar. “(Something I took to heart, having my first book published and my first solo art show at 65.)
They gave flight to my mission: to help women rise up from the muck of old stories into the magic of new possibilities.
Workshops
Together, we can break free and soar.
Here’s a little taste of my recent workshop near Austin.
My “Breaking Out of The Age Cage” workshop is for women who want to own their age. But not be limited by it.
In it, I share my own transformative stories, plus tools and processes to help women break free from the cultural stereotypes, patriarchal lies and “inner ageism” that can clip our wings.
We sit in sacred circle. Speak and write from our hearts. Partake in powerful rituals and creative visualizations. And share old stories and create new ones for moving forward.
In other words, we connect, grow and support each other in becoming ageless and cageless. (Laughter and tears included.)
I’ve helped women “break out of their age cage” at retreat centers across the country, in women’s groups, on-line and in my HeArt Studio and garden in magical Ojai, California. (And I’d be happy to customize the program for your venue and group, too.)
“Recently, I hosted 20 amazing women, ages 27-78, at Moonacre Ranch outside of Austin, for Wendi’s full day workshop. It was nothing short of life-changing. Her creative storytelling, visualizations, rituals and discussions helped us get unstuck and break out of our limited thinking. We left feeling hopeful, encouraged and empowered by our age, not limited. Hire her as soon as you can!”
“What an inspiring day of community, self-discovery, and celebration! Wendi masterfully created the space for us to let go of old stories and embrace our most empowered self. I highly recommend this for any woman of ‘a certain age,’ who is interested in breaking free from the cage of limiting beliefs.”
“Wendi leads with grounded confidence. Her knowing, her holding space, creates magic for anyone in the room — a chance to be open and receive what she has to teach. Even in my 40s, I’m grappling with the questions for which she has already sought divine answers. I am so grateful to have experienced her ‘dragonflying’ lessons!”
“One of the highlights of the workshop was Wendi’s story about losing her career at 50. Her stories were truly empowering and left me feeling motivated and inspired. I cannot recommend this workshop enough. It opened my eyes to my own limited beliefs and helped me to recognize and celebrate my own power and potential.”
“Wendi’s workshop on Breaking Out of the Age Cage was very thoughtfully and creatively designed, with plenty of practical ideas for breaking out of the “Age Cage. I came away with a heightened awareness of the false concepts that limit us as we age.”
“What a wonderful event! Wendi was a powerful leader and her “talk” so engaging. I loved the way she had us look at both, our worst and best case scenarios which broke it down so simply. The group was completely engaged.; you had the group completely engaged.”
“Wendi’s workshop was nutrition for the soul.
I was so impressed by the preparation and love she put into creating an experience that inspired us to change our perspective on aging,
We were bathed in the beauty of her garden, the creativity of her HeArt Studio. And lifted up by a sisterhood of women speaking their truth.”
speaking.
It’s more than a speech.
It’s an uplifting creative experience.
Here’s a 5 minute preview of my signature talk.
These days, instead of presenting ad campaigns for Honda and Acura, in boardrooms full of men, I’m inspiring rooms full of women at conferences, summits and seminars.
My “Breaking Out of The Age Cage” signature talk is filled with art and heart, wit and wisdom. And resonates deeply with women of all ages, from new moms to grandmas, from executives to empty-nesters. The underlying idea is that when we change the way we look at aging, we can change the way we age.
I share my personal story to help women reframe their stories. And a series of practical, “Dragonflying Lessons” for an ageless, cageless approach to life.
No matter what size the group, from 40 to 400, I have a knack for making it feel like a one-on-one, heart-to-heart conversation.
And here are some kind words from women who have heard me speak:
“Wendi’s message is infectious! She is such an inspiring speaker and a beautiful role model of what it means to change the narrative around aging. Her words and stories are empowering, enlightening, and encouraging. Wendi brings magic to the stage through her presence and lived experience. She is also funny, wise, heart-centered and relatable. I hope that every woman gets to experience Wendi Knox speak so they can remember “it’s never too late to soar.”
“After two very impressive online workshops, we invited Wendi back again to kick off our ALTARing Aging Speaker Series. And once again, she was amazing. Her engaging, original talk and workshop opened hearts and minds, inspiring us to let go of false ideas about ourselves and the experience of aging. Even though we were all on Zoom, Wendi’s vulnerability, warmth and magical ability to connect transcended the screen and made for an especially engaging experience”
“Wendi walked onto the stage and straight into our hearts with the right combination of truth, humor, compassion, and hope. Her life experience, combined with her open heart, lends itself well to any organization looking for a great speaker, and I guarantee any audience will be moved by her unique and interesting approach to life’s journey. “
“I hired Wendi after reading about her in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper. She was everything I had hoped she’d be—inspirational, funny and motivating. All 400 guests were moved to a standing ovation. And I’ve received so many spectacular comments.”
“Wendi had the audience in the palm of her hand. They were absolutely captivated by her story, her creativity and her passion. It was remarkable to see how quickly the women adopted her colorful dragonfly vocabulary.”
my book.
A storybook that changes the stories we tell ourselves.
Just like magic, email me to order my book.
From Muck To Magic is a one-of-a-kind inspirational book. With heart, art and humor, it takes you on a poetic journey from self-doubt to self-love. Within its colorful pages is a powerful blueprint for transformation. And an invitation for us all to rise up from our personal muck to bring our own unique magic into a world that has never needed it more.
“I am inspired by the joy that radiates from these lovely paintings, and I believe in the message — for it is we women now, who can and must ‘re-wire’ our whole world.”
“The most beautiful dose of therapy you could ever get your hands on. A feast for the eye, the heart and the soul. Read it and be uplifted. Drink in its gorgeous paintings and fly.”
“Combining poetry, art, and humor, from Muck to Magic is an illustrated blueprint for midlife transformation.”
“Thank you for the exquisite journey of healing brought to the world through your book. I was so impressed by how bravely you faced the challenges that brought you around to genuine self-love. An inspiration for everyone who reads it, for sure!”
“This book is and easy read, full of inspiration for women of all ages. Wendi’s words will lift you up with a powerful message about never giving up and finding magic in the muck of life. You will be empowered. In addition, her artwork is beautiful.”
“I heard the author interviewed on public radio and was so intrigued I had to purchase and read the book. Very creative and inspiring.”
“Wendi’s message has to do with all of us discovering our truth and knowing that we each have a purpose. Some of us find it sooner than others. I recommend this book to everyone. It’s a book that can be read more than once. The illustrations are frame worthy- just spectacular.”
“Beautiful, artistic, and soulful. Lessons from deep wells of understanding and true wisdom.”
“Uplifting and honest. This book will cheer you on the darkest day.”
“An extremely personal, creative, and soul-clearing vision. Every word and every painting is meant to help someone grow their own wings and fly beyond the constructs of their challenging circumstances or weary mind. Whether it’s a child coping with depression, an adult working through the aging process, or just someone looking for a metaphorical life raft. It’s a wonderful gift book and a daily reminder that you’re not alone in the muck. In fact, it’s just the beginning of your own magical journey. I highly recommend this beautiful one-of-a-kind book!”
my blog.
Turning muck into magic. One post at a time.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE A COVERGIRL.
I’ve always loved reading the inspiring profiles of people 50 and over, in Ageist Magazine. And now, I’m happy to share that mine is one of them. Wendi Knox, 71: Soaring After Midlife by Margaret [...]
my blog.
Turning muck into magic. One post at a time.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE A COVERGIRL.
I’ve always loved reading the inspiring profiles of people 50 and over, in Ageist Magazine. And now, I’m happy to share that mine is one of them. Wendi Knox, 71: Soaring After Midlife by Margaret [...]
contact.
Fly me an email.
Reach out about a speech, a workshop, a collaboration or just to share a little magic.
