You won’t find yourself by living someone else’s script
Most of us spend years living a life that was written for us.
Parents. Teachers. Bosses. Society.
But here’s the truth:
You won’t know who you truly are until you let go of what everyone else thought you should be.
The moment you begin asking yourself:
What change do I actually want in my life?
Why does this matter to me?
What small step can I take today?
…you begin to break free from the script.
My Story (And Why It Matters To You)
In May 2023, I was driving home from teaching in Beloit, replaying the same question in my head:
What’s my second chapter?
I had just finished Richard Rohr’s Falling Upward. The book flipped a switch in me. I realized I could no longer ignore the inner voice that wanted more.
So I started small.
Changing the way I spoke to myself. Writing down better questions. Taking one micro-step each day.
Those steps led me here: Beloit Passion Studios.
But here’s the thing nobody tells you:
Change doesn’t show up in one big leap. It sneaks in through hundreds of small, uncomfortable, imperfect actions stacked over time.
I thought opening a recording studio would mean instant success.
Clients rushing in. Music flowing. A “dream life” unlocked.
Instead, it was setback after setback.
Months of searching for the right location.
Spending $20,000 (a third of my teaching salary) on equipment when I had barely any clients.
Realizing the first space was hidden, hard to find, and nearly impossible to grow in.
A mental health breakdown that forced me to tear down everything I built and start again.
A car driving straight through the front of my business (yes, really)
Every time, I had two choices: quit… or continue.
And every time, I chose to continue.
Because here’s what I learned:
Your future self isn’t a path you find.
It’s a path you forge.
Forging is messy. It’s expensive. It’s confusing. It’s uncomfortable.
But the discomfort of building is nothing compared to the regret of never trying.
Why I’m Sharing This
I don’t tell you this to get sympathy.
I tell you this because you’re probably facing your own version of this story right now.
Maybe you’re stuck in a job you don’t love.
Maybe you’ve been ignoring that voice telling you to try something new.
Maybe you’ve convinced yourself it’s too late.
It’s not.
One self-conversation can change your trajectory.
One decision can reshape your second chapter.
One step each day can take you closer to your future self.
That’s why I created a brief booklet of journaling prompts — the same ones I used to start reshaping my inner dialogue. If you want to begin this process for yourself, you can purchase it here.
Upcoming At The Studio
To embody this philosophy, Beloit Passion Studios is hosting our first Open Mic Night on August 30 (6–8 PM).
We’ll feature emerging artists like Tiana, who’s stepping boldly into her future self. (You can support her journey here.)
Dorothy Scavera will share her voice — someone who’s been with the studio through every twist and turn.
I’ll also perform a few songs from my Alchemic Ella project.
Other talented artists — Victoria McAlister, Katrina Brown, Cheyenne Spade. Plus, Victoria will be sharing her incredible culinary treats.
🎟 Tickets are $5 — grab yours here and bring cash for food.
Each week, we also host ongoing classes:
Media Monday
Passion Singers
Studio Sessions
Rehearsal Sessions
A Final Thought
Here’s my challenge to you:
Set aside 10 minutes today. No distractions. Just a notebook and a pen.
Ask yourself:
Am I living with purpose and fulfillment?
If not, what would my future self want me to do next?
Don’t overthink it. Write the first answer that comes to you. That’s your first step.
And if you want someone to walk beside you as you explore your second chapter, I’d love to connect. Book a consultation here.
Until next time,
Lisa Reshkus
P.S. As a thank you for reading to the end — use the code VIBE for a free recording session.
Make a Difference
Recently I had an immersive art and music event called, Glow. A young woman came with her Dad, who was her caregiver, she is on the autism spectrum, we had the most delightful time. First we painted, then colored with markers. We talked about the beauty and variety of moths in the world. After making some art, we went into the studio and she sang her heart out to the song, “No Friends.” Meanwhile, my granddaughter Vi was doing body art and my other granddaughters were also singing and creating art together. My husband Dan socialized with the woman’s father, who admitted it had been a very long time since he did any public socializing. It felt worth every dime I’ve spent building this business in that moment and time.
Every Monday night Victora McAlister and I host, “Stateline Stars” a non-profit music group for children that we are in the process of founding together. We are helping the kids sing cover songs and write their own lyrics to prepare for a future showcase. It is an absolute privilege to work with the community in this capacity.
Then Wednesday night, fellow teacher Hannah and I danced together some basic Hip Hop moves and created a combination for her to teach at school in the fall. We had a wonderful time together. Afterwards, Dorothy Scavera, my adult Beloit Passion Singer, finished filming her first music video to the song, “Lemon Eyes.” I’m so proud of her willingness to try even though she really doesn’t care much for being on camera. She sets such an awesome example for us all. She said doing it does build her self confidence which will be reflected in all of her life’s endeavors.
Today, Thursday July 11, 2024, we will finally finish what I have coined Nick Jansen, aka Talon’s, signature song, “A** Like Clockwork.“ The making of this single has taken several years. I’m excited for him we that will be putting the final touches on it today and preparing for it to be released into the atmosphere very soon.
Lastly. today, I will travel to the Stateline Boys and Girls Club in Beloit to record the vocals they have been creating to the backing track, “Money.” Victoria McAlister has been working alongside the children all summer to create this song. I’m looking forward to hearing how it comes out!
Always remember, “be true to who you are as a person regardless of what other people do or think.” Lisa Reshkus
Magnificent March
March has been a magnificent month. The highlight was helping a former student, Kimmy, perform her first solo gig as a worship leader. Felicia from Overflowing Cup in Beloit reached out to me via Facebook and asked if I was a Christian artist and while I do play for church, it has been a while since I played worship music. Then I thought about Kimberly Beckius, who plays with the worship team at Central Christian. I knew one of her goals was to play her own live show. I mentioned to Felecia that I knew someone else that could do it and we could potentially play together. Next, I reached out to Kimmy to find out if she was interested and she was. We practiced a couple of times here at the studio and then performed together on Saturday, March 16th for two hours. She was magnificent. Many of her friends and church family came to support her. They filled the room and joyfully sang. It was truly magnificent.
Then on Saturday, March 23rd, we held our first in-house event, a fashion show with live music.
Antonio Reyes, a student from Fruzen, helped me plan and organize the event. He even helped me bring the studio to a presentable order by cleaning and straightening as best as possible.
One of the highlights from this event was when Beloit Passion Singer, Dorothy Scavera, sang “Help, I’m Alive.” She was magnificent, stepping into the spotlight without the comfort of the lyrics on a karaoke machine and also using a vocal effects pedal in her performance. At the end of the fashion show, Sherry Blakeley and Jody Whittnebel had a delightful time taking their turn flying around with the lighted cape that was featured in the song I wrote, produced and performed, “You Put Me Here.” They truly resonated with magnificent sisterhood.
Also in March, the artist, Talon aka Nick Jansen, that I have been producing in the studio, performed one of his signature themes…”Ass Like Clockwork” for performances in Milwaukee and Chicago. He truly is a magnificent performer and artist. Keep an eye on him. His career is moving forward, despite his struggle with earning enough to survive as an independent creative.
Learn more about the process we took and the producers involved with this project under Ella Miss-Talon.
Lastly, myself, as multidimensional artist Ella Miss, have begun a journey to produce a show inspired by the book “Hagitude, Reimagining the Second Half of Life” by author Sharon Blackie.
The opening scene I, in the form of the archetypal female dragon, invite death, in the form of a cloaked woman, to sit at the table and engage in a conversation, as well as, a little dance. All inspired by Chapter 10 in the book. I will be working alongside local store owner, Shatoria Teaque of Always and Forever Formalwear for the costuming of this project.
It is a privilege to run a creative arts business in what I have coined, “Blooming Beloit.”
More to come in the near future. Watch us grow!
Exponential Growth
Sunday, December 31st, 2023
Stay Focused- What does Lisa want?
Daily remind myself…For Who and For What?
I want a place where myself and like-minded people can come to make art to express themselves. Especially feminine forms of artistic expression.
I want to create expressions that can be performed in public that make a statement and are but are not just "entertainment."
I want to stay free of distractions that disrupt or interfere with my ability to follow through with creating these expressions.
I want to set boundaries with those who surround me so I am able to accomplish my passions and help others achieve theirs.
I want to allow people in to help me because I cannot do this alone. I want to trust that people will not try to take advantage of me.
Most recent lesson learned the hard way.
Someone, who I genuinely believed was trying to support and help me, has already ended up to be only after one thing. I could be wrong, it’s hard to say. I thought we were past this (especially at my age) but I guess we will never be? I'm unsure. What I do know…I can't do this alone and will need help but will have to be more careful about who I allow in to help.
I make beautiful artistic expressions. I don't know how other people receive them. It isn't for me to decide how they are interpreted. If someone thinks they are seductive, they are. Just because I express myself this way doesn't mean I want something from anyone. I haven't figured out how to educate people that what I create is about so much more. It feels like more like an awakening of a self, through art and music, that society hasn't allowed me. My sensual feminine side, which is beautiful and healthy, has been horribly suppressed, causing severe depression throughout my life. Now it's time to allow this side to be safely expressed. It means, first and most importantly, to keep asking myself in every situation and encounter, "Is this what Lisa wants?" A question that, honestly, I have never considered much throughout life. I feel so desperate to please others and to have friends that I lose myself. It is a challenge to set boundaries with people I have been in relationships with for years and also with people I have most recently met. I am getting better at it but still have more work to do. If you are like me, I hope by sharing this, you will find comfort in knowing you are not alone. If you are a very feminine person who likes to express yourself freely without fear of being misinterpreted and without losing sight of yourself, I am here. We are together.