What If You Could…
11/6/24 A Personal Note:
I’m still in shock after what just happened with the election. I had to be up at the crack of dawn yesterday and get on a plane for a meeting in Dallas.
The whole plane ride I was just trying to make sense of what happened. It was all about how do I work through my fear and anxiety of what will happen to America now. And how will my spouse and I stay safe in our own little LGBTQ community for what might come…
My solace was listening to music for a bit, after I played several “election anxiety” meditations on the Balance App. And doing some serious breathing exercises, and also used R.A.I.N a few times to process all my feelings. It was hard. I’m still incredibly sad…
So, I wanted to share with you some lines of songs that really stood out and made an impact:
- Alabama Shake’s – “Hold On” We just got to hold on – bless my heart and bless yours too, don’t know where I’m gonna go or what I’m gonna do…
- Tracy Chapman’s – “Start all over” We can break the cycle and we can break the change. We can do better…create our new world and make a new beginning...
- Alicia Keyes – “No One” …When the rain is pouring down and my heart is hurting, you will always be around and I this I know for certain everything’s gonna be alright…
And I want you to know that if you can relate to any of the feelings I’m sharing, you are not alone. I’m here, we’re here, holding the torch, guiding the light, locking arms because I know one thing for sure, we can get through anything, together. I will be always there for you.
Today’s article, which I wrote on election day, is still apropos because it’s all about after we grieve and work through our emotions, it’s about focusing on “I can...” When it’s time—set aside the news and start to focus on your work, life, loved ones, and what brings you solace.
When you’re ready, give yourself permission to take a step back from the constant stream of news. Use that time to go inward—whether it’s focusing on your own growth, nurturing or creating something new in your business, or finding some calm outside of it all—just know—You can…
Sending you much love and healing hugs XOX
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Core Article: What if you could…
Paragraph I’m Pondering: “But you won’t be completely free until you…”
Powerful Affirmations to Inspire: “I am worthy of…”
Book Review: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
By Elizabeth Gilbert
Cool Stuff: 10 successful companies that totally pivoted, hmmmmm.
AI Info & Resources: ChatGPT can now search the web – whaaat?
What If You Could…
Imagine you and I are hanging out in my kitchen, sitting at my new banquet, overlooking the forest just outside. The sun is just coming up, and my pup Emma is just getting comfy, settling in next to you. The steam from your favorite hot beverage is circling in the air. You start to share your biggest dreams with me. You know, the ones that feel just out of reach.
And as you’re sharing this, there’s a tiny voice deep down that’s whispering, “What if I can’t?” or “What if she thinks I can’t do it or I don’t have enough experience…”
On and on those thoughts go… OMG.
How can you want something so fiercely and deep down, there’s still that fear you’re holding onto that says, “Oh, you’re not good enough yet.” Or, “Someone else has already done this, go back to your day job.” Or worse, “You don’t have enough experience or expertise to do this, no one will want it…”
Yeah, there’s that self-doubt, being really sneaky, especially when you’re spilling your heart and yearning to step into something that absolutely matters so much to you.
Years ago, when MyIntent (those handmade bracelets) first came out, I decided to get one created, that simply said “Believe In…” Its message is so simple, yet for me, it was powerful. It was all about overcoming my self-doubt and saying to myself, “I can.” Even on those stress-filled days when I felt anything but confident.
It can be pretty powerful to have a reminder, especially when fear tries to crash your self-confidence party. It’s really easy to get stuck in the “I can’t” mode.
And what I know to be true is when you slow down and take it one day at a time :-), that’s when the magic starts to happen.
Yeah, you may not notice this at first. Yet, when a few weeks, or maybe even months down the road, you will realize, or maybe someone else will notice how you’re not that same person anymore.
What steps can you take now to “Believe In?”
- Anchor Your Confidence: Find your own “bracelet.” It could be a quote, a journal, or even a song – something that pulls you back to believing in your ability to figure things out. Carry that reminder with you into your work, trusting that every step you take is one more layer of experience and confidence. Me – I still wear that bracelet today. It’s a bit beaten up, and yet, it goes on my wrist every single day. It’s a reminder of my value, my worth, and my belief in myself and others.
- Turn Self-Doubt into Curiosity: When you hear that “I can’t” voice, try replacing it with “What if I could?” Or my favorite, “What if life is always working out for me?! Or “How can I make this easy or easier?” Shift into curiosity instead of criticism. Give yourself the grace to learn, to try without the pressure of perfection. This journey you’re on – this business you’re creating – it’s all about experimenting, learning, and refining. And as a mentor once told me – fail fast, fail often, that’s how you will succeed. And don’t get caught up in your failures. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
- Believe in the Process: Building something meaningful doesn’t come easily, but if you lean into trust – in yourself, your mission, and the impact you’re meant to make – things will shift. Remember, you’re allowed to be a beginner, to stumble, regroup, and try again. The magic lies in sticking with it, in letting each lesson be part of the growth process.
Here’s how to start:
Take one small step today that you’ve been hesitant about. Whether it’s launching that email, making that call, or sharing your own story – do it with heart, knowing that each “I can” and “I believe in” brings you closer to the work and life you’re here to create. And if you feel so inspired, hit reply and tell me what that is. 🙂 I’m happy to be your accountability partner.
You’re not just saying “I can” for yourself; you’re creating a ripple effect. Imagine each step forward as building trust – not only with your clients but with yourself. And trust me, that’s where the real magic happens.
So, my wonderful, inspiring friend, the next time doubt tries to grab you by the collar, remember this: You’re capable, you’re here for a reason, and you absolutely can!
I totally “Believe In” You!
Paragraph I’m Pondering
“She said: “We all spend our twenties and thirties trying so hard to be perfect because we’re so worried about what people will think of us. Then we get into our forties and fifties, and we finally start to be free, because we decide that we don’t give a damn what anyone thinks of us. But you won’t be completely free until you reach your sixties and seventies when you finally realize this liberating truth—nobody was ever thinking about you, anyhow.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Powerful Affirmations to Inspire
“I trust my intuition and inner wisdom to guide me to the right decisions, leading my business to greater heights.”
“I attract clients and opportunities that resonate with my values, allowing my business to thrive while serving the greater good.”
“I am worthy of the success and financial prosperity that comes from living in alignment with my purpose.”
Book Review
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
By Elizabeth Gilbert
Cool Stuff
- Interesting story about the rise and fall of the Big Boy Hamburger chain. All you ever wanted to know and more.
- If you’re curious like me about stuff, check this out: advertising airlines through the years, hmmmm, interesting…
- I found this article quite intriguing. It’s about ten very successful companies that you likely know about that started out doing one thing and ended up pivoting to do something else. Love this kind of stuff. I can be such a business geek sometimes. My mind was filled with somewhat useless trivia.
AI Info and Resources
- The latest in AI – if you haven’t heard it – ChatGPT just launched its search the web version, and whoa, it’s pretty slick, even better than Google. And get this – NO ADS to surf through. They’re gonna give Google a run for its money – Check out this review.
- Here’s another article about how ChatGPT will now work as a search engine for some of its news outlet partners – hmmm
- Ai Powered coffee art anyone? Cafes in Japan and South Korea are using AI to turn their foam-on lattes into works of art… That’s where I want to go for my next coffee fix!
Weekly Photos
- Finally, it’s time to rest after this crazy election that, at times, felt like it wouldn’t ever end.
- Yeah, there’s always time to relax and let the hair fly…
- Yep, ole Emma had to get in the act, too – who doesn’t love hanging your head out the window when you’re going on an adventure?!
- Halloween is more fun as an adult. We get to connect with all the neighbors and their kids, and Emma loves all the attention too.
- Yep, that’s her scary, stay-away face!
- The heart always knows what it wants. We just have to listen… and in this case, find them on my hikes. 🙂
- Ohhhh, I just love the fall sunrises. They are totally worth the wait. That’s Mt. Lassen in the distance.
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