Few names in Hollywood command the same admiration and intrigue as Sharon Stone. Known for her iconic performances, sharp intellect, and unyielding spirit, Stone has not only transformed the film industry but also built an enduring legacy of resilience. From the fame of Basic Instinct to earning an Oscar nomination for Casino, her career has been a masterclass in reinvention. Yet, behind the glamour lies a tale of immense struggle and profound rebirth.
Beyond her acting accolades, she is also an outspoken humanitarian, a doting mother, and, as of recent years, a celebrated painter. Her reinvention as an artist wasn’t born out of convenience but through necessity—a fight to stay true to her CORE amid life’s relentless challenges. Stone’s story is a masterclass in self-leadership, demonstrating that even the most glamorous figures must navigate the complexities of reinvention to thrive.
A true high-achiever, Stone has never been content to stay within the confines of a single role or identity. Today, she is not only a celebrated actress but also a sought-after painter, a dedicated humanitarian, and a doting mother. In a world that often boxes women into narrow definitions, Sharon Stone exemplifies what it means to lead yourself back to your CORE—a place where your truest self resides, untethered from external expectations.
Reconnecting with Art and the CORE
For most people, stepping into something new—especially after a lifetime in one career—is daunting. For Stone, it wasn’t just difficult; it was necessary. After surviving a near-fatal stroke in 2001, which left her with a 1% chance of survival, she had to relearn basic functions like speaking and walking. Yet, Hollywood showed little sympathy. Roles that once came effortlessly disappeared. Stone’s resilience carried her through, but as the years went by, the void of meaningful acting opportunities deepened.
During the pandemic, when the world was at a standstill, Stone reignited a passion for painting that had first blossomed in her childhood. A simple paint-by-numbers kit gifted by a friend broke the ice, and soon she was creating large, evocative canvases.
“Painting has helped me not feel that anxiety, the anxiety of perhaps not being accepted,” she explained.
Art offered her liberation. Unlike film, which requires scripts, budgets, and a team, painting gave her direct creative control. “I can just go to my studio, turn on the lights, and start,” she shared. With each brushstroke, she embraced her evolving identity.
Stone’s works, showcased in exhibitions across Los Angeles, Berlin, and beyond, are filled with meaning and raw emotion. Her first European show in Berlin featured her series Totems, exploring themes of renewal and resilience. Each painting included a snake—a symbol of transformation and rebirth.
These aren’t the timid works of a novice but bold, large-scale pieces that reflect a lifetime of experience. One painting was a tribute to her nephew, who tragically passed at 11 months old. Others address themes of war, loss, and hope. As the art world embraced her, critics noted how seriously she took her craft—a quality that shines in every frame of her life.
For most people, switching gears midlife is daunting. As the old German saying goes, “Shoemaker, stick to your last.”
Yet, Sharon Stone had no choice. After surviving a near-death experience, she spent years reclaiming her health, only to find that Hollywood had largely moved on. The roles that once poured in were no longer offered.
It was a crushing realisation for someone who had once dominated the silver screen. But instead of succumbing to despair, Stone looked inward, summoning her trademark ingenuity and courage. What she found was a new calling—art.
Sharon Stone’s career is one of high peaks and profound valleys. Despite earning Golden Globes, millions of fans, and international acclaim, there came a time when Hollywood roles stopped arriving. "For years, no one wanted me anymore," Stone admitted in interviews, describing the emptiness she felt after surviving a near-death stroke.
While others might have resigned themselves to fading from the spotlight, Stone instead embraced transformation. Her creativity, once funneled exclusively into acting, blossomed into something larger.
Understanding the Parts That Make Us Whole
Sharon Stone’s journey of reinvention beautifully illustrates a profound truth: to rediscover yourself, you must confront and understand the many “parts” of your inner world.
Through the lens of Parts Work, a psychological framework, we can see how these different aspects of ourselves often influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Let’s remember, however, that the CORE is not any of your Parts.
Your CORE represents your true self—the essence of who you are, beyond the roles, expectations, and identities you’ve accumulated. It is only by recognising what is not your CORE that you can begin to uncover what truly is your CORE.
Here are the key Parts that likely shaped Sharon Stone’s transformation:
The Achiever – A part that thrived on the external validation and accolades of Hollywood success. When those opportunities faded, it struggled to find purpose.
The Protector – This part emerged during her health struggles, urging her to set boundaries and safeguard her well-being.
The Inner Artist – A forgotten part of her identity that reawakened during the pandemic, helping her reconnect with her creativity and passion.
The Survivor – A resilient part that carried her through the aftermath of her stroke and the challenges of rebuilding her life.
The Inner Critic – A part likely present in moments of doubt, questioning her choices and comparing her new pursuits to past successes.
While these examples of inner Parts each played a role, they do not define Sharon Stone’s CORE.
Her CORE emerged when she realised that Hollywood’s fleeting validation, or even her newfound recognition as a painter, could not dictate her true worth.
By working through and separating herself from the influence of these Parts, Stone was able to align with her CORE—her authentic self, independent of external pressures.
This process of discernment and integration empowered her to live with clarity and purpose.
Happiness as a Choice
For Stone, happiness isn’t passive; “It’s a choice,” she says. Through years of hard lessons, she learned to say an emphatic “no” to anything that didn’t serve her well-being or align with her CORE.
Her bold foray into painting isn’t just a creative pursuit—it’s a declaration of self-leadership. Sharon Stone no longer waits for others to define her. She’s proof that even in the face of profound change, reinvention is possible when you lead yourself.
Stone’s story isn’t just about her; it’s a mirror for anyone feeling stuck or lost. Her journey reminds us that it’s never too late to reclaim your CORE, embrace new passions, and lead yourself with courage.
This transition was far from smooth. "I’ve spent my life hearing people tell me I’m too tall, too short, too blond, too something," she shares.
But Stone learned an important truth: others' opinions lose their grip when you stay anchored to your CORE, the essence of who you are. When you recognise and begin to lead yourself through these inner parts, you may find that the path to your CORE is simpler than it seems.
If Sharon Stone’s transformation inspires you, delve deeper into the art of self-leadership with CALMFIDENCE IS THE KEY by Nell Puetter.
Discover insights and tools for working with these inner parts. With this guidance, you can reconnect with your CORE, moving through imposter syndrome with calm, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
This book delves into the core principles of Calmfidence, showing how self-belief and inner calm form the foundation of true success. By recognising and reshaping your trouble-making inner Parts, you’re opening yourself to a life of balance, resilience, and empowered decision-making.
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