Patterns—The Stories We Keep Repeating (And How to Change Them)

Core Article: Patterns—The Stories We Keep Repeating (And How to Change Them)

Paragraph I’m Pondering: “In the end, there is no one ideal condition for creativity…”

Powerful Affirmations to Inspire: “Every dollar I earn and spend brings me…”

Book Review: Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

Cool Stuff: Some insights into living longer and if you can believe…

AI Info & Resources: AI is now trying to define death and your digital afterlife

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Patterns—The Stories We Keep Repeating (And How to Change Them)

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck on repeat? Like you keep having the same thoughts, taking the same actions, and getting the same frustrating results?

At first, it feels random. Then you start noticing it—oh crap, it’s not random. It’s a pattern.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Cuz it happens to me.

I had taken this amazing Story Skills class from Bernadette Jiwa during the pandemic and loved discovering her process of writing and telling stories—and how to incorporate them into work, life, and beyond. So when I got an email in January inviting me to her alumnae membership, I jumped in.

It was a chance to continue working on my writing with like-minded people, many of whom I remembered from the previous class. It kind of felt like old home week.

Have you ever felt like that?

It feels so good hanging out with people who value authenticity, integrity, curiosity, and the love of the craft of writing and sharing… words… their power and impact…

Ahhhh, I digress…

Back to my point – I did have one… 😉

Each week, we have a writing prompt. Last week, it was about patterns. And I was wondering if you can relate to this too, so I’m sharing in hopes it inspires and guides…

Patterns—

I think I see them, the patterns that have formed throughout my life. Yet, at times, it feels more like a dream or fleeting memory or several moments simply strung together.

Then I look closer—what is a pattern anyway?

Is it something that happens over and over again, or is that just too simple?

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck on repeat?

You wake up, go through the motions, and you have the…
Same thoughts.
Same actions.
And you get the same frustrating results.

Some patterns work for you—like trusting your instincts or consistently showing up for you and your clients/business every day. Others? Not so much.

I caught myself in a very familiar pattern earlier this week when I had to take Emma to the vet. She kept waking us up early in the morning to go outside. Her stomach has been really upset.

My brain instantly started racing to worst-case scenarios. What if something’s really wrong? What if she’s seriously sick?

That spiral felt real. Then I was able to pause for a second and realized—I’ve been here before. My mind was running an old story, a pattern of fear-based thinking of worst-case scenario thinking.

The only way to break a pattern like this is to slow yourself down, pay attention to your thoughts, and realize YOU CAN choose your thoughts and choose differently.

And that’s what I want to invite you to do today. Notice a pattern that’s been showing up in your life. Not just any pattern—one that’s keeping you stuck. Maybe it’s putting off a big project or consistently beating yourself up about not completing something. Or having some fears pop like I did, or other feelings…

Now ask yourself:

• Where did this come from?
• Is it true, or is it just a story I keep telling myself?
• What’s one small way I can choose differently today?

Here’s the “aha” moment: this whole journey—whether it’s in your business, your career, or just life in general—isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about leaning in and trusting yourself, and taking the next step, even when you’re faced with unwanted and unproductive thoughts in your head.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. None of us do.

What if, instead of waiting for the perfect plan or the right moment, you just took one small step today?

Maybe that means reaching out to someone you’ve been meaning to connect with. Or writing that post, you’ve been overthinking. Or giving yourself permission to rest so you can come back with fresh energy.

Whatever it is, remember—this is your journey to live your purpose, your why. And the world needs you.

So tell me—what’s one small step you’re gonna take for yourself today?

Leave a comment and let me know. I’m all about cheering you on—hands at your back always.

Before I head out—

I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you about my invitation to the first-ever Soulful Marketing Accelerator Program. 

If you’re looking for a place where you can share ideas, get feedback, and build a marketing approach that feels true to you—I have 6 seats left.

I’m creating a space where you will get the support, strategy, guidance, and connection that will help you on the path to making a bigger, more authentic, and genuine impact in your work and your life.

This isn’t about cookie-cutter marketing tactics or formulas. It’s about building a business that reflects who you truly are—and learning how to share it in a way that creates real, lasting connections.

This is your invitation to join me to help coach and guide you to advancing your business.

For more info – Soulful Marketing Accelerator Cohort and to register.  

I want you to know this: whether you join me or not, you’re not alone on this path. 

Just promise yourself and me that when the time is right, you will do something, whether it’s with me or some other program, to create more success in your business and make a bigger impact on thousands or more people who need you.

Paragraph I’m Pondering

“In the end, there is no one ideal condition for creativity. What works for one person is useless for another. the only Criterion is this: make it easy on yourself. Find a working environment where the prospect of wrestling with your Muse doesn’t scare you and doesn’t shut you down. It should make you want to be there, and once you find it, stick with it. To get the creative habit you need a working environment that’s habit forming. All preferred working states, no matter how eccentric, have one thing in common: when you enter into them, they impel you to get started.
~Twyala Tharp, The Creative Habit: Learn It And Use It For Life

Powerful Affirmations to Inspire

• “Every action I take aligns perfectly with my purpose, creating a business that inspires and transforms lives.”
• “My heart is open to giving and receiving love freely and abundantly.”
• “Every dollar I earn and spend brings me closer to my financial goals and fulfills my dreams.”
  

Book Review

Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon

Cool Stuff

• Some insights into living longer and if you can believe, “Purpose could be the ultimate health secret
• Seriously, with AI now trying to take over, why is it still so hard to predict the weather… Inquiring minds have to know, please… (Danger, you might feel more empathy for your weather person on TV after reading this. 
• Want a little “love” feel good pick me up today – this is definitely for you.

AI Info and Resources

• Here’s a cool AI tool that literally transcribes anything you say or not. It’s pretty smart. And right now, only for Mac users. You can try it out for 14 days, then you gotta pay. There’s no CC info needed upfront. Very cool tool.
• AI is now trying to define death and your digital afterlife… hmmm, this clickbait got me, and it was actually kind of interesting and a little weird and a bit scary, too.  \
• The latest in ChatGPT – you can now use it in the communication tool WhatsApp. This is kind of cool cuz before. You could only use ChatGPT in your browser. Want more – you know what to do. 🙂
• Bonus – if you want the user guide on how to use ChatGPT in WhatsApp.

Weekly Photos

1. Emma being her usual dog self in the car, with one exception: she’s not hanging out of the window cuz it was pouring rain. We were off to the vet. She’s got some stomach issues and is on the mend.
2. I had to try to get a selfie with her. I think I took about 8 shots before I got this one. I wouldn’t recommend doing this while driving in the car in the rain. In my defense, I was at a stoplight. 🙂
3. You’re not gonna believe this; it’s the 4th week in a row, and I’m finding another dime. So much change in this neighborhood, so little time.
4. See if you can find Emma amidst my pile of books and journals. There she is, looking at her “TV.” It’s been raining so much here in Northern CA we thought we were gonna float away. Not a lot of walking this week.
5. You can see the angry storm clouds through the sunrise yesterday morning.
6. Found this posted near the mailbox. There are kids in this part of the neighborhood who love to leave messages and hang them. This one was perfect for today – “Believe in the Magic of You.” And with a unicorn, no less.
7. There’s Shasta Bally with a fresh coat of snow and some clouds. We have a little break from the rain, and then its back again.

P.S. If you missed last week’s blog post, or maybe you forgot to click on the link… If you’re longing to be around like-minded people and want to move through your fears to create an even more successful business built upon your purpose and values and based on authenticity while attracting your dream client and more success... Welllll. you know what to do below. 🙂 

• Want more information? I’ve created a Word doc. You can access the doc here. 
• Questions or Want to Connect? If you want to connect over Zoom to see if it’s the right fit, please hit reply and let me know. Or schedule a call on my calendar. 

P.S.S. Whenever You’re Ready: Here are 3 Ways I can make an impact on creating greater success in your business using marketing that’s aligned with your mission and values without feeling like you’re selling your soul.

1. Make Money Now Sheet – It’s one of the bonuses in my 7-Step Soulful Marketing System. I wanted to give it to you for free to help you create more success.

2. Love Books Like I Do? – I’m always reviewing the best nonfiction books – Where Buddha Meets Business.

3. Get my proven 7-Step Soulful Marketing System. It gives you the framework you need to implement authentic and connected marketing using online customer experiences and launching your products, services, or courses. It will help you create greater success.

It’s a simple system, especially if you love to read like me. There’s no video or audio. Plus, you get my proven templates, tools, and worksheets, all with tremendous value. And I’m pricing it incredibly low so it can be more accessible to more people. 🙂

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I appreciate your sharing. Thank you!

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