Being Creative

I have aways known that creativity was an important part of my life, but recently I realize how easily I let it slip away from time to time.  Many of you know that I paint, but it had been weeks since the last time I took a brush to paper.  Summer, the beach, my business, time with friends – all wonderful other things crowded it out.  Then, in the last two weeks I resurrected it.  One afternoon I spent painting with a friend of mine who is an artist and this past weekend another friend and I walked around downtown Raleigh with my camera.  This had been something I had wanted to do for a while, since I love beautiful architecture.  I went to take my first shot and realized my camera batteries were dead.  Now you think it would be easy to find someplace to buy batteries in a city, but many things were closed on the weekend.  I did not give up though and found my batteries in one of the hotel convenience shops.  Here is some evidence of photos I captured. 

Getting Involved

Yesterday I attended a luncheon for the womens business group I belong to called Chix in Business.  The topic for the program was Building Business Through Community Outreach.  What a wonderful panel presentation from three great women who are actively involved not only in Chix but with several organizations whose mission and values they believe in.

I noticed several themes in the discussion that showcased how each woman grew personally and professionally as she gave to others.  What came up several times was stretching out of your comfort zone (words I am known for in my own life and in helping my clients do the same) by stepping into a role or task that you either don’t know how to do or don’t think you are good at.  When you stretch, amazing things can happen – including gaining courage and confidence, and possibly even discovering a latent talent!  Another theme that came up was how much of a difference one person can make – especially when you rally others to help.  Getting others involved increases your visibility in the community and it also exponentially increases your reach and contribution.  For me, serving on the Board of Chix in Business has deepened my connection to these incredible women and to the greater community.

What organizations are you a part of?  How has giving helped you grow as well?  I’d love to hear from you!

Absolute Yes!

Have you ever had those moments when you are trying to decide on something and the choice comes so easily and instantaneously?  I call those my “absolute yes!” moments.  One such experience came up this weekend when I was shopping with a friend.  I tried on a pair of black pants and a funky white top and it looked so perfect that there was no question I would buy both pieces.  Of course their being on sale helped, but what was interesting to me was that the top was something I would not have ordinarily even tried on, let alone buy. 

So it got me thinking about what those “absolute yes” moments mean.  They are more than choosing what’s comfortable or the norm and they are not about choosing what others think we should.  To me, these moments are about listening for, and to, our intuitive voice.  That part of us that “knows” what’s right for us, even when it is outside our comfort zone.  I listened to it when I chose my new community and home – and even though the process was scary, I knew it was right.  When my clients listen to it, they are able to choose their new career or life paths more effortlessly.

They key is both listening to it and then acting on it.  I could have left that top behind in the dressing room since it was a different purchase for me, but I bought it instead, and look forward to wearing it.  What are some of the “absolute yes” moments that you acted on?  I’d love to hear from you!