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Aug. 31, 2023
Liberate Your Life; Gregory Copploe and Dani Forrest
Gregory Copploe and Dani Forrest are the authors of I Am Pink, a book that very well may help you liberate your life. It delves into spirituality, identity, self-discovery, and personal empowerment, offering valuable and profound insights to readers. I Am Pink has succeeded as a #1 New Release in both Women Writers and Christian Theism categories.
Dani Forrest is a multi-talented individual, excelling as an author, speaker, educator, and mentor. With degrees in writing, law, and education, she possesses a diverse and impressive background. Dani is also a certified Pilates and yoga instructor with 12 years of experience in wellness. Currently, Dani dedicates her expertise to working with individuals and families impacted by alcoholism and addiction. Moreover, she assists others in achieving emotional sobriety and personal empowerment, especially in the face of today's increasingly challenging world.
Gregory Copploe is a small business owner and founder of the team-building company Stir Up The Paint. He is also the author of three books, The Art of Being Whole, I am Pink, and The Little Book About Anxiety and Healing. He is also a four-time American Arts Award Winner. Greg specializes in mindfulness and introducing truths that may live outside of the design we’ve imagined for ourselves. Through art therapy and keynote speaking, he helps individuals become more insightful and productive while introducing truths that are aligned with their desired outcomes without fear or judgment.
I've worked with Greg on projects related to brands like Spider-Man and Power Rangers. We crossed paths back in '94 or '95, both joining the company around the same time. We played a big role in launching and expanding projects stemming from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, a massive hit among kids. Greg and I teamed up with higher-ups to handle creative and administrative aspects. My main focus was creating a positive work environment, addressing coworkers' concerns, and making the company a more mindful place. However, I eventually moved away from the business because I didn't want to keep pushing products to kids. I believed childhood and life had more to offer than disposable plastic toys. While I gained valuable experience, this aspect bothered me. Nonetheless, I learned about team building and fostering a supportive atmosphere within a corporate context.
What Is Stir The Paint?Gregory Copploe: I host events called Stir The Paint Nights, which is my rebranding of what was formerly Paint Night Seattle. These gatherings bring people together to create art on canvas. Through these events, I've learned a lot about people's personalities and emotions as they express themselves on the canvas.
As someone with heightened awareness, I can sense their self-criticism, high expectations, and even anxiety. Sometimes I ask participants why they're anxious, and often they can't pinpoint the source. They just want to excel at the activity. I remind them that they're already good at it and that talent can develop over time.
We don't need to start out as experts; we can nurture our abilities. These insights from Stir The Paint Nights actually influenced my book. I took the struggles and personal growth I observed and incorporated them into the journey of the protagonist in my writing.
Dani Forrest: When talking about writing “I am Pink,” I was asked if any sections I strongly felt about ended up being left out of the final book. At first, Greg sent me a draft while I was in Kauai, which is a special place for me, full of inspiration.
The story's core was there, and I loved it. Yet, there were parts about mindfulness practices and nutrition that I worried might divert from the main message. I wanted the heart of the story to shine, so we left out detailed explanations to keep the focus on the characters' relationships.
Gregory Copploe: When I asked myself about taking on that brokenness, I realized it's actually quite beautiful. We all have our flaws, and embracing them can be a beautiful thing. It's about putting those broken pieces together to create healing.
Running these events, I often sense that healing happening. When we finish, there's a change in the atmosphere, an energy shift. This change is something Justin, the protagonist, also feels. He's connecting with experiences that finally feel genuine and true to him. It's like he's encountering love, a connection with animals, and a bond with nature for the very first time.