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Photo: Kelly Sikkema (Flickr: Public Domain)

MARCH 2019

It's March.  I'm still juggling my part-time gig with my biz.  I finally feel ready to leap though.  I don't have plans to bring in $$$$ green energy until September so not sure I can give up my gig until 2020 but I hope that this will be the last year I wrestle with grant writing, wondering if I should update my resume and trying to find time for my biz.


Just had a meeting with part-time job E.D. last week and it reminded me of how little support I have here - she kiboshed a provincial grant I was writing last year, gave me a thumbs down for an "inter-generational" grant I proposed (but now suggested it like it was a NEW idea) and recently she was too distracted to get our online profile updated - so I missed a funding application deadline. (Seriously no support here!)

So I really need to focus on an exit strategy here!

If I'm going to be offering products online, I need to figure out my "Store" which means I may need to switch blogging host software that has strong blog features but also online store features also.

BIG TRANSFER OF WEBSITE?

MASTERMIND (instead of business coach right now and it really is motivating me - it feels more serious when I'm investing in my business - this is good!)
GUEST POSTS/FEATURES (I didn't do my Interview series last year and would really like to revisit this idea)

BOTH BIZ FRIENDS (online entrepreneur friend and a local entrepreneur friend) feel like they have fizzled.  It's hard to connect with Business Women as they are so BUSY and also can be competitive.  Online one is gone (she was from U.K. HS HBBiz) and the other one is local (Health not Nature) but while we said we would meet up monthly - it's all on my to reach out each time.  Sigh!  (So much for them both being the ones to step up and ask!  Guess it wasn't a good sign after all!)

(But the other good news is that I don't NEED this so much anymore.  I think I've finally let go of the need to have a mentor/friend who will cheer me and motivate me.  Something has switched internally (yay!) and the mastermind is helping also.  Once the mastermind is over (end of April) I need to look into something else - maybe a bit more affordable?)

WEEKLY BLOG POSTS + MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

BUILDING EMAIL LIST

NEXT BIG OFFER: AUTUMN ONLINE COURSE

let's keep the momentum going.  provide two freebie products, offer something IRL in my city this June and continue to build my following and email list for the Autumn launch.

you do have very valuable products to offer - don't doubt yourself.  people need what you are creating.  xo

another tuesday start to the week!

WEEK 152 - POST 1

I went out this morning - had to sleep in as I didn't get to sleep until past 1 pm, which meant my morning routine didn't happen (water, meditation, reading, elliptical) but I did get into town and work in a public space.  So that feels amazing!  And I can definitely write my blog posts and then do the photos (and other graphic details) at home later.  So this feels very good!

And I just had a brainstorm about how to do a 100 in 1 day event for my business - I'm very excited!  I don't have to lead an hour long session, I'm going to do a bit more of a fun pop-up activity.  And it will be perfect!  Yay!!  So excited.

So taxes are almost done (I actually do like working on the numbers but have to get serious about a bookeeper this year) and will be submitted this week.  And I just have to plow through the ten-day challenge and get it up.

The big fear is the newsletter.  I think the fear is that once it's started I'm going to have to have something really good each month!  And I struggle sometimes with my blog - |I don't want to add to the struggle....

I need to practice - maybe just write to myself and see how it feels!!

(Also posted about an entrepreneur coffee meet-up - really don't have anyone yet but we'll see how it goes!!)

slow steps forward

WEEK 151 - POST 1

Struggling again.  But I feel a tiny turning point.  Let's hope this year there is finally a change!

I want to write a bunch of blog posts and get my 10 day challenge done but I do feel like the best place to work on these pieces (where images and words are combined) is at home.  But I also need to get out of the house (for my sanity).

Even as I say that, I feel the pull to see other people, to look on Fbook and MN.  It would be better if I could just get out of the house.  These two (and other social media) do not help me in the long term, they really corrode my being sadly - well really it's being cut off from the world (being in this house) that does that and being able to connect online, enables me.  So that's not good.

I promised myself today that I would recreate a day that has a good flow - where I prioritized my morning routine, getting out of the house and exercise and an evening routine also.  My morning routine ended up taking up most of the morning and then I couldn't get my mouse to work, so had to figure out how to fix that (but I did - YAY!).

Today is going to be OK.  It's almost 1 pm.  Maybe what I'll do today is work from here and then go out tomorrow and work outside the house.  I do have to go to the library today to pick up some books.

Good luck everyone with your week!

K.

what's what: monday morning check in!

WEEK 149 - POST 1

Good morning!  I haven't done a Monday morning check-in in awhile.  I have been doing a Zoom call Mastermind on Monday mornings and it's been really motivating.  This morning, I missed it, as the clocks in Ireland were moved forward for daylight savings, but I wasn't told by the organizer.  (I'm sure she'll offer me a make-up session, since this was her mistake.)  I was really hoping to start my week that way - get focused!!

So I'm back here (sorry I've been gone!).  What was my win from last week?  Last week I worked on blog posts and some social media and got some background research done on other similar courses.  I also had two break-throughs regarding "friends" which has been a theme in my life.  I end up prioritizing getting back to friends (and organizing meet-ups) above almost everything else: myself, my spouse, my business, etc. So I do feel like this is significant in terms of my business.  And even my health.  I need to let this go and learn how to deepen some friendships, keep people on the friendship "conveyor belt" and let others loose.

What would have been my question for the group? I really do need to focus on getting out one newsletter and finding some podcasts (even if just to create some backlinks).  So no big questions, it's more about mindset, getting focused and getting my next product created.  (It REALLY helped to be working with others during the "build your own online course" group class.)  I need to figure out what works to help keep me motivated and moving forward!



What's Inspiring You This Week: I went to a woman's "sporty" event to help motivate me to be more active.  It was good but it was also a reminder that these aren't my people (and that I can't match up with just anyone) and that's OK!  I am now more focused on finding my audience for my business.

Where Are you Stuck This Week:  I am again feeling the burden of deadlines for my part-time job and having a hard time motivating for my BIZ.  I did work on two blog posts but think now I will have to put them on hold (as they are themed and the timing is just not right)  But good news is that I now have two blog posts I can use next winter!

What Is The Message You Need To Hear: You can do this.  You have a few hours today.  Just move through the list and let's work at it!  Spend a bit of time connecting so that you can "see" your audience and your people.  And then let's have fun creating new products!!  xo


What Will You Commit To For This Week: Whew - this question always scares me.  Let's get a few more blog posts done and see if we can send out a newsletter.  If we work a bit at the new product also that would be great!!  xo


And how about you?  What's going on with your business and what do you want to accomplish this month and where is your focus for this year?  Let me know!

What's Inspiring You This Week: 

Where Are you Stuck This Week:  

What Is The Message You Need To Hear: 


What Will You Commit To For This Week: 

more about the mini-course

WEEK 147 - POST 1

I'm feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable - like it is the end of the party and I'm not sure how it went.  Sort of at loose ends. 


So here are a few other things about the course:

First person to mention signing up was KP (but I think she signed up for my RSS feed)

Second person was friend from GFC (then I felt like I had to offer it) and then a few friends signed up JW, CP & HS (was she just curious for her own business?) and then finally a stranger (wow!).

And once the course was launched there were two other who saw it on social media CF (from Twitter) and DA (from instagram).


The people who participated were:

- KP (social media)
- IH (course page)
- CP (in emails)
- (JW told me she was too busy)

the others: AA (stranger) CF, DA & HS did not participate in any way.  Sigh!!  but 3 out of 8 is actually a GREAT participation rate!



In the end it was:

- 3 friends
- 4 people I know on social media (GFC, twiter, IG)
- 1 stranger


In terms of my list from last week:

AND I still have to complete two course pages, two blog posts (and others as I want to get back on a weekly schedule), one survey, one newsletter for next week and finalize the two emails I'm going to send for the course.

I nixed the two blog posts but did the course pages, survey and two emails.

So now I just need to get back into a regular schedule and do weekly blog posts and work on my first newsletter!

Let's make this week count!  xo

how are we doing today...

WEEK 146 - POST 1

I feel very burned out.

It was especially hard to do social media posts.  I think I did a bit of liking and commenting (not that many "new" people - maybe a few) but I just felt like every day I had to keep up AND I started missing it if I didn't do it, or mindlessly starting to scroll.

(I figured if I was on and posting things, I should be supporting others also!)

Today I started using tags to comment on "new" people's posts.

I realized that I haven't worked at social media in awhile.  I might just work at IG for now and Linked In.  (Although how do I get people to "follow" me on Linked In?

Hmmmm....


AND I still have to complete two course pages, two blog posts (and others as I want to get back on a weekly schedule), one survey, one newsletter for next week and finalize the two emails I'm going to send for the course.

But I have no energy for any of this!!!


And this week was also filled with other tasks (for my part-time job):

- Weekly Presentations for various audiences
- Lots of emails to write and send this week
- An article to revise and send to a local blog
- More presentations to put together (each one is different)
- Two evening meetings this week (networking for part-time job)

- WW (online discussion group/book club to moderate)
- two friends who needed to chat about things in the past two weeks
- still trying to catch up on my personal email

And just received email from lawyer (re: trademark) - ugh!


So not surprising I'm burned out.

I really am hoping to figure out a better balance.

I feel good about completing my first course and delivering it (and finding out where my weaknesses were - in terms of social media and responding in the classroom) and want to work hard at the next deliverable.

But I also wonder how much time to focus on GRANTS and my RESUME (if the next contract for my part-time job doesn't come through!)

One step at a time - right?

xo

I've been through my first launch. xo

WEEK 145 - POST 1

Just wanted to report her that I did it!!

I launched my first course.

Albeit, it was a FREE Beta Course but I have six people signed up and I spent some time tonight trying to figure out how to send three of those people the first EMAIL after the fact.  (They had signed up after the first trigger so weren't part of the automation.)

WHEW!

I have to say that the two weeks before I "launched" (put my course online so that the public could see it) I was procrastinating ALOT.  But I kept breaking down the tasks and it felt good.  I had two days where it flowed:

- worked on all the emails that linked to each lesson 

- finalized all the course lessons, added the URL links to the courses and did all the final fussing of layout, consistency for all emails. 

and I must have had another day where I worked on the lessons (or that might have been over a few days).

What did launching feel like?

I finally just felt like I HAD to do it.  I am part of this Mastermind so I didn't want to "fail" in front of them or give any excuses.  (It did take me two extra weeks to launch then I thought but that was partly due to my part-time job and personal stuff.)

The first part was making the SALES PAGE visible and posting the blog post that linked to it and announced the launch.  DONE

Then I started Tweeting and adding the link on Facebook (and made an event on Facebook also). DONE  (and I also did Linked In)

The last thing I did was Instagram as I felt so behind there and knew I'd have to "write something" in the description (and update my LinkTree) so unfortunately I did that only the day before the course started.  Sigh!!  (We'll do better next time!)


I did do all of this over a few days so the launch on all platforms was not simultaneous.

ALSO I did set up some Tweets to Promote the course in the lead up and also the ones to support the participants during the class.  (I will have to do the Instagram posts impromptu on the day, but know that in the future I can even have these lined up).

I did have a big melt down this weekend (feeling pressure on a couple of fronts and also ate really poorly the last two weeks and didn't do much self-care) - wonder if that had a bit to do with allowing myself to be "seen" and worrying about possible critique?


I already got one positive comment for my first lesson!!


(I'm on DAY ONE of the class - there was a "Thanks for signing up" Email and then a "We Start Tomorrow" Email and now we have FIVE LESSONS for the mini-course).

Just wanted to document how this all felt!!!

xo


p.s ALSO so good to take the online course about how to create your first online course.  Have a weekly phone call really helped me with accountability.  xo

what's going on this week!

WEEK 140 - POST 1

- Mastermind Group Meeting
- Online Course (Social Bee) - viewed last videos, added questions
- Shared Alumni Post (Fbook, Linked In, Twitter)
- Worked on draft blog post that is a great lead into my first course!

No Monday morning Check-In

WEEK 138 - POST 1

My apologies!!  I've been focused on the part-time gig (but it is going well - draft of one grant, 2 presentations and tomorrow I have to go help stuff envelopes for a mail out).


But the list for my BIZ is:

- blog posts (and social media)
(need to get back at a regular schedule)

- finish sales page (to share with classmates)

- finish course and get it all online
(I think the web designer I found has fallen through - ugh!)

- newsletter (start getting used to sending these out monthly!!)


I really was hoping to get to a coffee shop today but I was busy with the presentation until 3 pm.  I did take a break for an hour (and we had a staff meeting at noon).


I MUST accept that this week I am not in control of my own schedule.  I have two days where I am expected somewhere for my part-time gig PLUS I have to work SUNDAY.


But after that I should be more in control.  (There are two grants to do - so still a bit of pressure until February but after that all is clear until MAY!!)  xo

let's get a moving on this!!!

WEEK 137 - POST 2

Signs:
- after I intunitively got off the bus to walk and was thinking of a great idea for my biz this red cardinal flew by me one metre away at eye level!  wow.
- our deputy director (for part-time work) and for her meet and greets she hopes "some of (these) meetings will include walking in nature as she loves trees"
- I am one of two people in the SocBee "First Online Course" that is on target with the material (most haven't even started) and is working on her sales page - go girl!!

I *need* to get this course done!!

what's what: monday morning check in!

WEEK 137 - POST 1

I feel like things are moving forward well.

I need to just be able to focus more on the one current task (and not worry about everything!)  I think I am more of a big picture person or at least worry too much about it and put too much energy there.

Website redesign - moving forward CHECK

First online course - taking class (great for motivation) CHECK

Blog posts for January - NEXT

Finalize online course and put two freebies on website

Start first newsletter

Plan social media and start the launch.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

xo



What's Inspiring You This Week:  Can I just say (and remind myself here) how motivating it is to be working with a class on my first online course.  THIS is AMAZING.  I must do more.  (And I'm also feeling really serious about things a virtual assistant can do - versus using my own time.  Wow.  That feels good!)

Where Are you Stuck This Week:  I'm worried about social media and what to do until I have the launch lead up, etc.  what should I be sharing that can pique people's interests but not give away too much... (this is where I am totally unskilled)

What Is The Message You Need To Hear: Everything can be taught.  You have great instincts.  You can find help.  But just one step at a time.  First blog posts and course content!  Don't get ahead of yourself.

What Will You Commit To For This Week:  Taking a step back and trusting.  Helping myself believe that anything is possible, there will be someone to help with this and it is NOT overwhelming.

Yes, let's do this!!



OK, that's me... now tell me about you - how is this Monday in your entrepreneur life?  Has your week started in the way you had hoped?  Have you created a new business plan for this year?  do you look at it regularly and plot out your course or do you set it aside and focus solely on the next steps, whatever feels right at that moment?

What's Inspiring You This Week:

Where Are you Stuck This Week:

What Is The Message You Need To Hear:

What Will You Commit To For This Week:

so exciting.... things are moving.... xo

So my idea for meeting my "people" - local friends who could start this new journey with me started with all these things percolating in the background....


- started going to Meet-up groups for entrepreneurs but it didn't feel easy - felt like extroverts would excel more at these types of Meet-ups.

- reading how one book club offers the opportunity for new members to meet the organizer 1/2 hour before the rest of the members show up (great for introverts!)

- found a video about how Jen Lee found new people before she moved to a new city (through social media and then a language school)

- receiving kind feedback about blog from two people on Indie Kindred that are nature lovers (they may not be my tribe, need my help but they feel like kindreds!)

- reading on a blog post about how this one woman would organize a book club in new city and then  choose a certain book as the first one in order to help her find her "people"

- finding out that there is an introverts entrepreneur facebook group (wow!) and it's titled: blazing your own trail.

- then seeing this offer to join a new business book club (online) and connecting with the other members (some in Canada)

And even the bad night that I had at my friend's bday party where I felt like I didn't fit in and would never find my people (and was even wondering where can I find a "group" that would support introverts...)

- then today I woke up with the idea for a new Meet-Up Group for a creative, spiritual (woowoo), introvert, entrepreneur BIZ bookclub.  WOW.

yes it is starting... let's keep up the momentum xo

WEEK 136 - POST 2

FRIDAY:

Very exciting on Thursday when I was doing the elliptical and L. Harris was talking about "Reset with N." in his own podcast.  I just feel like so many people are talking about the importance of N. now and it feels like the time is ripe.

(Also thrilled that Brene Brown sees that you CAN sympathize for both sides of a very difficult situation.  I'm so tired that everyone seems to feel like they have to take sides.)

Then I found that a new copywriting Fbook group that I joined had not only one of the new members talking about getting out in N (and had a great photo that I liked on her Fbook page) but then the moderator said this: "This is amazing! I can't believe the timing of you popping into my life." Wow!!

It is so motivating!  I HAVE to get this done!!

In some ways it felt like I didn't get alot done on Friday but here is what I did do!

- **consolidated many task lists and creating a new tracking system for tasks for the BIZ (most of the morning).
- cleaned out some of my e-files.
- read many of the Social Bee comments, suggestions (still need to watch new video).
- **spent time to think through next steps for email, newsletters and social media (Zoho & M Networks)
- cancelled my current biz email (through domain & host site)
- **started up my Zoho biz email and Zoho Campaigns and transferred mailing list and started my first campaign
- commented in Copywriting group (as per above) and in Business Book Club
- **talked to friend after lunch (who has gone through a personal tragedy).
- **also thought through new website layout (need photos for this and some writing)

** each a big, important task on its own!

what's what: wednesday morning check in!

WEEK 136 - POST 1

It's January and I've had a very slow autumn and was "closed" for the holidays.  I think this past couple of months, things have been percolating and I feel like it's good to have stepped back as what I want to do with the blog and biz are going to be more focused moving forward and it's good to have a break and then "launch" this new phase after the break.

I quit HSHBBiz at the end of the summer as I felt like they weren't focusing enough on the hard stuff at the beginning.  I need help to START my business and the two people leading this group seemed to forget how hard the first year is.  And of course HSHBBiz is not specifically for STARTING BUSINESSES, it's just to help overall, so there was no false advertising or anything like that - it just wasn't for me.  And I felt like it was too full with artists.  I just couldn't relate.

So feels good to have left that, as by making space, there are better opportunities to connect with people who are more my stage: Social Bee (Creating our first course), Uncaged Lifers (she attracts people who are at the beginning of starting a biz) and now the Business Bookclub (where it seems like there are quite a few beginners).  Yay!!! 

(And I also have dropped my U.K. Accountability Partner who I met at HSHBBiz because even though she replied to my email in Aug/Sept her heart wasn't in it anymore.  It was always me initiating.  She found her "tribe" at an October writing retreat and didn't need me anymore.  Sigh!  So it feels good leaving her behind also.  Whew!  (No hard feelings!))

So I'm just thinking today of how really AMAZING it has been to drop certain things to make room for better opportunities for this new year!

AMAZING!!!



That's what I'm focusing on currently.  There are some other things that may come into the light later (when I need them) but I really want to keep a good balance and not be overwhelmed.

I tried to keep up with Tracking Wonder: Quest but with the Social Bee class also in December it was too tough.  Definitely next year though!

Lee Harris is another person who is resonating with me (still) and Jenny Shih offers alot - I just can't invest in her course this year (maybe next?).  And then there is More with Less.  I can take her self-paced class this winter and I hope that I can join her Soul-Centered Business School this year (but maybe I'm too attached to that desire... hmm... let's just hope that something good comes along that I resonate with!!)

** And I also need to update the main page "Update".  It's still on June.  The part-time expanded career gig went well but I do see a way to streamline it for 2019 - especially if I want to do my BIZ for this year also.  It was also great to meet collaborators - I see some for the NFP but I'm also finding a few recently for my BIZ (yay!).  Update: working with a new web designer for 2019, business coach was good but might have to revisit for 2019 (maybe a 5 session opportunity?) and the guest posting was good but I need to optimize the promotion opportunities more fully.  The online entrepreneur friend has been put behind me (accountability partner) and the local entrepreneur friend never amounted to anything either (we were talking about working on a book together).  But 2019 is offering new opportunities to connect and support others.

Excited to see how 2019 unfolds!  xo

what's what: wednesday morning check in!

WEEK 132 - POST 1

I'm interested to see how this is going to shape itself over the next year.

I still see some value in checking in but I'm worried that this takes away from the DOING.  I think next year my mantra will have something to do with ACTION.  It was Expansion 2017 (my skills - writing and collaboration (first year of funded part-time "program" and also expanding my reach) and Leaning to Yes 2018 (connecting to others HSHB & GFC and lots of internal work which has gotten me here - really ready to leap)... what is it going to be in 2019???

I found that it was helpful to review YEAR ONE and I just finished my YEAR TWO review.  And here we are mid-way though YEAR THREE... (Month Eight - wow!).  Where will I be once Year Three is done...  this is GOOD!!!


(last entry for the year xo)

moving forward

WEEK 131 - POST 2

Good Things:

- went to library today (good walk and got out)
- did elliptical (15 + 15) yesterday and stairs (5 x)
- did an IG post for my business (new focus)
- did a FB post on an entrepreneur site (to feel more visible)
- another FB post on Tracking Wonder (Quest) to step into my light

- must now listen to my podcast!

what's what: monday morning check in!

WEEK 131 - POST 1

I'm not sure about the Monday questions any more.  It's hard for me to get into them so for now, I may just write some quick posts to keep us all up to date and feel like we're still tracking our work!  I'm so glad that we have each other for support!

Here's some exciting things:

- I've drafted a couple of posts for the blog AND some content for the course and it's got me excited for the start of the new year.
- I've worked with an online automatic email manager to put together the delivery of the course and will test it out in January (six weeks away).
- I am leading a book club of wonderful women for a full year on an online networking platform (which will be a great test for my business).
- I had a great presentation with a local church (for my part-time biz) but the organizer also suggested I talk about my biz - so nice of her!
- I'm being more deliberate about my health (mental, physical) and how I connect (communities) and am looking forward to the holiday month!  yay!
- I've met a few new people lately and haven't felt this "need" to figure out how to make them my immediate friends (feels very freeing).

- But I do think there's some "need" still in terms of my accountability partner - it is completely one-sided and if I can just let her go - I KNOW that this will open up new opportunities and better support for me.  I just have to do it - big leap (trust) and see the positive for both of us!!  xo

things are getting lighter...

WEEK 127 - POST 2

So what's different in a positive way:

- I wrote much of my BIZ class notes while I was away on vacation

- I was at an evening event (where I saw people I've worked with) and felt my value and spoke my truth

- I've been including longer walks/hikes on weekends (and weekdays when I can) to get in more exercise

- I've started swimming in the mornings (twice a week) and it doesn't feel like I'm dragging myself to the gym (I'm excited!)

- I have less cravings for sweet foods

- Working on less tv in the evenings (small steps to progress)

- I've been connecting to more friends (and letting go of "expectation") if I need to connect I can move on to the next friend (if someone isn't available) and if I'm not available I CAN accept that better.  xo

- I'm finding new communities to connect with (and considering where I want to invest for my business) both online and off line (IRL).

- I'm going out more to coffee shops, enjoying meetings outside the house (three last week: manager, FC and a couple of personal apts) and going to more public events (one for work last week) and I had a great Friday with three events/meetings that really inspired.

- The podcast has yet to be launched (and possible column for a local newspaper) and it will be so cool to have the first one under my belt!

- I have the energy and interest to think about sitting on a Board (wow!) - I feel like this is a huge shift and a trust in my ability I haven't had for a few years.  xo

let's see where this goes...

WEEK 127 - POST 1

I'm back and I feel very rejuvenated.

It wasn't due to the trip (where I felt like I had very little real "downtime") but it was more due to a lot of emotional stuff that I've been processing over the past year and especially leading up to this trip.  It was a rough August and I even went to have some counselling/therapy discussions to help me sort through it all.  The talks ended up helping me clarify what I really needed in terms of support and the type of support I'm looking for now (as opposed to ten years ago) because I WASN'T getting it in these talks.  So ending the therapy and looking for someone else, along with having the travel behind me and finding some interest/excitement about new projects that I haven't felt in years has made me feel very optimistic.  It's all of this and so much more.

• It includes the journey with HSHB (and ending it) and with my accountability partner (who for the third time "disappeared" on me - albeit only for a 2.5 day period this time).

• It includes a decision in terms of business support (how can I take advice from a business coach who is there to help with the ups and downs of business - while she herself has to regulate the ups and downs with prescription drugs?).  I'm not against support from prescription drugs for mental illnesses, it's just that if I'm drug-free dealing with the ups and downs, how can someone using this type of enhancement really know what is the best advice for me?

• It includes the letting go of "discipline" (in terms of food and exercise) for the last year or so in order to find a better way back in terms of loving support and "devotional discipline" instead

• It includes the letting go of my old approach to friends (putting them on a rotating list and just going through that list) as it never allowed me to go deep with anyone and made me expectations of certain people high (when they expressed HOW MUCH they liked me and HOW MUCH they enjoy doing stuff with me but then they never followed up and never prioritized me).

• It includes many walks in nature over the last few years and the continual realization that these make me feel happy, connected and that they are also a step in self-care.  xo

• It includes a two year journey through a journaling exercise with my younger self and reconnect with that and providing what I didn't get when I was a child (and before that a one year exercise (when I still had a 9to5 job) where I would answer the same three questions daily or as often as I could)

OK - Let's see where this goes!!  xo

lots to think about....

WEEK 122 - POST 2

It looks like I'm going to take three weeks off starting next week.

And I'm going to give myself the time, to just let things stew, marinated and see where they get me.

I spent a bit of time researching to see if any other organizations are doing what I want to do and I couldn't come up with many in the city.  Of course there is long distance work but I wonder if that is mainly "writing" which I'm not sure I want to do.

If it was writing - wouldn't it be great to have a column where you are paid every week to write?

Hmmmmm.....

So here is what's been resonating with me lately:

- no more advocacy work (I just don't want to spend time (for my part-time job) trying to convince people of doing the "right" thing and/or trolling for potential "customers".  And for my entrepreneur work I just really want to say what I'm about and have people say "Yes!! that is for me!"  I want this to resonate with people.)

- some type of collaborative work (where I find someone (some people) where we can work on a program - offering together and have fun doing it!)  I want this to feel fun, easy and like a blessing in my life!

- being part of a community that clicks with me (NOT advocacy - that's where I'm going wrong.  I really want to be part of a spiritual community like GFC or something else where people want to improve, want to be better and understand the power of grace, forgiveness and big hearted-ness)

- have a physical place where I can connect with a few people weekly (I want to find a few other like-minded entrepreneurs who are into the slow-business model and who want to create a small supportive community - where we could work together for a few hours, chat or just check in and give some support!)