The Story.

My name is Toni Short.

Over the years 2015 to 2018, I financially, emotionally and energetically bankrupted myself.

A lack of self-worth combined with a narcissistic romance scam, misaligned relationships, a desire to be loved at any cost to myself, a karmic return, an inability to see reality and absolutely no boundaries (among other things) brought me to my knees. 

It also resulted in my biggest breakthrough -  commonly known as a breakdown of the highest order.

In the summer of 2018, I was called to close my business for three months.  I had no idea what that meant at that time.   All I knew was I was a “mess”.   

Hurt on every level. Disappointed in myself and what I had done to call in this experience. Confused about who the people were that I had around me. Coping with addictions. Coming to terms with the shame of some pretty big truths about the choices I had made, and the way I had lived my life.  I had to do something.

I typed into Google: kids, camp, July, August, volunteer. In a matter of seconds I came across a kids' camp in Haiti. In true Toni form, I threw myself into this direction.  24 hours out from my departure, the camp was canceled due to civil unrest.  I was left sitting on my floor with two suitcases full of color pencils, coloring books, bug spray, sunscreen and a body full of typhoid drugs. I was completely lost.

A voice told me to get up, get three big pieces of paper and tape them to my lounge room wall. I drew up a calendar for the next three months - broken into morning, noon and night.   I had never gone to camp as a kid so I set an intention to create an adult’s camp for myself.   

Following spirit, the Universe and/or a feeling I can't truly describe, I filled my days with all the creative things I had always wanted to do.   All I could hear was… feed your mind, body and soul… and sleep.  I put my hair in braids, got my bike out of the basement and started my adventure.

I went back to my first love of dancing after 30 years, did a memoirs writing course (sharing all off the truth of my journey with an incredible group of women), volunteered with a horse riding school, started acting classes, joined a musical improv workshop group, took on private singing lessons, learned beat making, began to paint and even started trapeze lessons.

Looking back, I was following breadcrumbs at every moment. Today I see it as a clear path to heal and reconnect with myself through joy and creativity. To transmute the darkness of this period in my otherwise “successful” life and career, I began to write about my experiences in different forms: song lyrics, poems and other musings.

Background of my “success”: At 22, I moved from Australia to London, where I began my global career in events.  Seven years with the BBC, then Washington DC for five, producing for a boutique agency with impressive clients.  I returned to the BBC heading up their events based in NY.  Four incredible years later, another perfect storm, I went out on my own and launched my creative and event production company, Shortlist Agency which has been one of the most incredible gifts.

This total exploration of all things artistic, coupled with a series of (ridiculously awesome) serendipitous moments led to a complete re-birthing of myself into an artist, singer, songwriter, actor and storyteller.  And… a much happier and more peaceful human.

A complete TRANSFORMATION of my mind, body and soul and most of all a (re)discovery of the power and beauty of who I am at the core.

The time since creating the camp for myself, has been a life-changing exploration of self… as if I’ve been doing a PhD in myself.

I will never forget the very special few that came into my life over this period that chose to speak their truth to me too. They held space for me as I leaned heavily on creativity to pull myself out of those dark and lonely times.

The gifts that I discovered in myself continue to blossom and propel me into an awe-inspiring and increasingly fulfilling life… one that I truly never believed was possible.

Unimaginable opportunities continue to show up in my revitalized “work-and-play life”. I get to co-create and share these gifts with other artists, companies and brands that are also looking to change the world through a delicious mix of art, truth and love.  I have the honor of teaching and sharing my learnings with others at The Camp., being of service to those on a similar journey, and on a more personal level, I now have the confidence to share my experiences with the world.

Here you will find a collection of the creative endeavors that came out of the camp I made for myself.  You will find stories, books, poems, songs, movie scripts, paintings, photos, videos and more.  Some finished and some work in progress - a lot like me.

I would never wish what I went through upon anyone.  With that said, I can truly say, it was the best thing that has ever happened to me. This new “life” I share with you here at The Camp. (and in real life), and all of the truth it encompasses, is from an exquisite new level of openness and vulnerability that has been truly life changing.

My name is Toni Short.

Let’s Connect: museme@tonishort.com