start where you are now

Growing and building a creative business can be a lot of work, if you choose to make it so. I’ve given it a lot of thought the past few months and asked some serious questions about why I started a new version of my business about two years ago.

What I discovered was fascinating, humbling, and eye-opening. Two years ago, I decided that I wanted to learn all I could about the online world of marketing. I wanted to know how people were building their businesses, finding their “Tribes” as Seth Godin puts it. I had no idea about social media, but I did know enough to get myself in trouble when it came to electronic e-zines or newsletters.

I’d subscribed to newsletters about writing, marketing, art, style, beauty, health, fitness, journalism, education, lifestyle, entertainment biz…I really don’t need to go on here, do I? Maybe you’ve done the same thing.

What I ended up doing is creating a monster load of emails that needed to be sifted through on a daily basis. I completely immersed myself in all the ways technology could help build a business. I signed up for every class offered, every webinar, tele-class, seminar, in hopes to learn how I could learn how to build my online presence. I even joined groups completely devoted to this new world of running your virtual business. I learned more than I’d expected and I managed to get… sidetracked.

I woke up one day to find myself wandering down a beautiful road, but the wrong road.

Have you ever found yourself on the wrong freeway? It happens to the best of us, don’t feel bad.

I began to glimpse into the crystal ball to see my future if I continued sailing along on my current route. I took a realistic look at where it was leading me.  Somehow, even though it was the perfect place for others, it didn’t resonate at my core. I wasn’t in total alignment with my deepest desires, my heart, and my soul. I was slipping my foot into someone else’s shoes and all I was getting were blisters.

I had been ignoring the little voice in my head who was prompting me to stay focused on my writing and my art. The one that wanted to be back in flip-flops, running shoes, and the occasional stiletto. I would slip my foot into another high-heeled shoe and  say, “Just one more event. One more project. One more call. One more class.”  It all lead to just another, “One more….”

time for new shoes

If you knew your life were to end tomorrow, what would you do today?

It took me a while to answer this. A lot of soul searching, journal writing, and a constant flow of tears. Tears of gratitude; tears of sorrow. The one thing I knew I was meant to do, I wasn’t doing…because of my fears. Fears that I wouldn’t do things well enough, that no one would want my art, or want to read my writing. Fear that I wouldn’t be able to make money doing what I love, fear that stepping into my art was self-indulgent, and thoughtless to the needs of others. Knowing that stepping into my art, meant more learning curves, more mis-fires, more, gulp….growing.

I avoided listening to my heart which is way more painful than actually taking the first frightening step and putting myself on the line!

Is there something you’ve been avoiding because your fears?

So, here is what I’m doing about it. I made a little deal with that pesky little voice. I’m gonna give it a go. I’ll set up a place where I can explore my hearts desires and dreams. It won’t be anything fancy. Just a simple little blog where my creativity can explore. A place to wear all the different shoes that fit my spirit and soul, just because I can.

We don’t have to squeeze into another person’s shoes, just because they look great on her. We don’t have to always wear the same kind of shoe on a daily basis. Hell! You might even want to walk barefoot for a day, a week, or even a year. ( If this turns out to be an valid option for you, please let me know. I have a great remedy for the rough patches you’ll get on the bottom of those tootsies of yours.)

Here it is, the place to explore the art of style, the creativity, the inspiration, the authenticity of living and creating your beautiful life.  This little blog  is where I’ll share it all, behind the scenes and more.

I know the quickest way to  illuminate the beauty, in every area of our lives, is to explore who we are at the core and that starts where we are right now.

Illuminating beauty doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t take sides, it doesn’t judge. Illuminating beauty doesn’t care about your pant size! It just shines on what is, exactly as it is now. And it will continue to shine brilliantly as the beauty in our life expands and grows. All we need to do is remain aware of our truth, surrender to what is and just “be” all that we can in this moment.