Honour Your Dreams

I woke up this morning thinking about 2 things. A long to-do list, and that "Life is good". I feel, for the first time... ever, maybe... that Life is Good. I feel like I am not meant to spin my wheels forever. Like I will work and move forward with purpose.

I have not always felt that way. I have had huge periods of time in my life where I could see my dreams and goals but did nothing whatsoever to move towards them. However, I finally feel like I am moving forward, like I am headed in the right direction.

When I do inventory, I find that some of my dreams got tossed to the side of the road during my travels. They didn't make it to the point I'm now at. And that's ok, that just means that something more ME came along.

Today I will honour my dreams. I will journal about them, and possibly move towards them a bit more. I will acknowledge them and they will reveal more to me.

What are your dreams telling you?

Photo Shoot

I had an amazing weekend. I went and checked out the warehouse space that the photography show will be in. I went to Powell's Books and got a new book, and I did my first ever photo shoot (with a person). The thought to expand into portraits is pretty new to me. I stated it for the first time Thursday night to a photographer friend in Canada. By Saturday morning, I was approached to take some portraits of my husband (and I had never told him that I'd like to try this).

Despite any misgivings, I decided I would fake my self-assuredness, and forge onward. "Tilt your head up a little, look towards that tree, shift your body" I heard these things coming out of me, and I just wanted to laugh. He of all people should have known that I had no clue of what I was doing! After the photo shoot, I uploaded the photos on the computer and showed him the images. We were both very impressed. Now, with some editing, I have about 30 usable images so far. My portfolio has been started!

Sunday I went out as well, and the 3 of us all had photos taken. I didn't think any of Sunday's would turn out very well because we didn't find scenery as nice and it was much colder, but again, I got usable images.

I completely learned this weekend that sometimes you just have to fake it til you make it. Of course, taking photos of my husband was a non-scary situation. Next, I will shoot a friend or a stranger... depending on who I get contacted by.

Put your intention out there, just as I did: I want to take portraits. And watch the opportunities roll in. Your job is to be receptive to them.

Some photos from my Saturday shoot: http://www.flickr.com/photos/robynsart/sets/72157623181351022/

Sometimes A Lot of Help is Needed

Yesterday, I was feeling no motivation whatsoever. So I decided to hold myself accountable. I was online, on Etsy, talking to my friends. And I decided, I'd state what I was going to do "I'm going to contact this wine bar about hanging my work there", then as soon as I did it, I'd pop back in and report that.

It worked great. I still had no momentum, but I was checking things off my list, one by one. I submitted 4 photos for possible publishing, I sent query letters to a wine bar, a restaurant, a gallery, and a photography-only warehouse show (1 night). And guess what? shortly after I sent my query to the warehouse people, they had a meeting, and I am in!

I will be among about 40 photographers there. Also there will be gallery reps, photographer agents, newspaper reporters.... I'm thrilled and scared at the same time! That's my good news from yesterday... and I wonder what today will bring.

Without support and encouragement from my friends, this opportunity would have passed me by. I love that I have a group of people that I can lean on and always rely on. It's so important in life!

If you have goals... if you have anything you are striving towards, make sure you have your cheering section intact. Fill their wells and they will fill yours!

Crossing paths

I didn't sleep well, and my morning routine has been interrupted. Could be the start of a very bad day, right? Only if I allow it. If my entire day is ruined, it's because I choose for it to be. Time to take a deep breath and move beyond. Beyond being tired and irritated.

I have many plans for today. I plan to submit some of my work to be published. Being purposefully vague. And I plan to contact several businesses who are looking for art to hang in their establishments in 2010. Doing all I can to move forward.

I have been amazed lately at the people who I just "happen" to cross paths with. Each time I need something in my life, I come across someone who can steer me in the right direction. Last night I spoke with a fellow photographer who gave me some wonderful ideas. The information that he gave me answered questions that I'd not yet asked. Isn't that amazing?

Remember my morning? Tired, cranky, and askew? Now it's thankful and blessed. What shifts have you seen lately? Are you finding your dreams more attainable? Is information flowing your way? Still running into roadblocks?

2010 Sailed in with a helpful spirit

After yesterday, let me assure you that there will be more posts coming about the different types of crazymakers we all deal with!

2010 sailed in with a spirit of helpfulness. Without even thinking about it, I have begun organizing in my life. I did not have a goal of cleaning out and organizing (and unsubscribing to tons of stuff!) my emails. However, I find myself doing it in idle moments. I did have a goal of getting rid of clutter, and in the past that was accomplished by force. But in 2010, I glide through.

What is different about 2010? Is it just the stage I'm at in life? I don't think so, because I've heard the intense spirit of hope from so many. We all had great expectations of 2010. And for the first time ever, I feel like I will not be let down. The change has occurred within.

I know that I've been doing the groundwork for years. To make the life that I desire. And I did so knowing that would not be possible without one core change. But I had to wait that change out. And now the time is upon me. I will be divorced next month, and my life will be mine. Absolutely mine.

I had surrendered years ago. I knew things would be done in the right time. I did not actively start working towards it or planning til last year, but in my soul I knew. For me, 2010 is a time to claim myself. To lead an absolutely authentic life. I'm glad 2010 sailed in with a helpful spirit.

What does 2010 mean to you? If you had to characterize the spirit of the year, what would yours be?

Ahhhh the crazymakers!

There was a comment left on yesterday's post. About dealing with those who publically cheer you on, yet do all they can to cause you to fail. Ahhhhh, the crazymakers. Crazymakers have come in most every form in my life. I currently have one major one (for a little longer), but have some others ready to hop in and wreak havoc anytime they think my guard is down.

One way of dealing with crazymakers is to cut them out of your life altogether. Not always do-able. So, protection is the key. Don't let them in on your plans. The cheerleader crazy maker, I think would be very effective, because who doesn't want a cheerleader. So you share your achievements, you go to them with each accomplishment. They jump up and down with you, squealing with delight at the amazing turn of events. Then they undermine silently.

So... don't share. All you will be missing out on is some fake squealing and some jumping. Let's say the cheerleader is your little sister. You can't exclude her from your life. Not if you want to remain in the will (ha ha), all kidding aside, you love your little sister and want her in your life. So, tell her if you make a wonderful meal. Tell her about a date, or what your children did (whatever applies here). But protect your dreams and accomplishments. Don't give her reason to show her inner crazy maker. Your relationship does not have to be such a guarded one forever. You will get to where you tell her in no uncertain terms that such behavior will not be tolerated by you.

Until you do, though, you'll want to have protected yourself from them. In the past, I did just that. I had an intense cheerleader crazy maker. And I realized that though this person was jumping up and down with me, squealing with delight, many other areas were being attacked. I began feeling overworked and resentful. And I stopped working on my goals.

At one point, I cut off all ties. That made us both miserable. I didn't feel strong enough to just protect my goals, though, so I cut myself off. That lasted about a week before I was cornered. And I simply said "I don't like who I am around you". Perhaps I could've chosen better. But I'm very non-confrontational and being cornered shocked me. So, she went away very hurt and angry, and I felt guilty. Part of her crazymaking? Perhaps. But they don't always see what they are doing, so I'm sure she really was hurt.

I was able to (a few days later) approach her on my terms, explain what I meant, and start fresh on my terms. I did not want to exclude this person from my life altogether. So I showed her what I felt she was doing, and gave her the option to correct it or not.

And the ball was in her court. We are still friends, by the way.

What do you do to deal with crazymakers?

With a little help from my friends.

2010 blew in with a sense of purpose. I have been extremely focused and motivated. As a general rule, I am. I'm in a constant state of focus. In the beginning. When I discover an idea, when I start a project. Then I fizzle. I'm a wonderful thinker. A wonderful starter. Not such a great finisher.

However, I have been very careful this time to put some supports in place. I've been networking with some like minded people. I have stated my intention, and I have begun. Life is good!

2010 will be the year to shine. If you feel that to your core as I do, get started. State your purpose in a very public way and make sure others hold you accountable! It works!