DO YOU ALWAYS NEED TO BE INSPIRED?

picture by © evaaase

This was the topic of my recent "WORK OUT LOUD" newsletter. Since I had such a huge response to this newsletter, I thought it might be worth posting here. Here it is...

With a company name like Inspired Life Career Designs, I think I may have fooled some people into believing that I'm positive, upbeat and inspired all of the time. I wish I could lie and say that this was the case, but I must confess that it is not. Just like many of you, I suffer from bouts of fear, self-doubt and feeling worn out. (Hint: this is often how I know what my clients are going through. No magic mind reading here!) When this happens my first reaction is to panic. I mean, how on earth can I inspire others when I'm not feeling inspired myself? This thinking only makes things worse.

Needing to "solve" my feelings or just "snap out of it!" leads me to obsess about not being "perfect" which only helps to dig a deeper hole. Then, thankfully, I remember the best advice I was ever given:

"Sometimes it's just how you need to feel. Don't try to solve it. It will pass." (Thank you Derrick for giving me this advice many years ago)

Wonderful! You mean I have the universe's permission to feel blue once in a while? Awesome! (Funny how every time I remember this, the pressure is lifted and then I don't feel so overwhelmed. Hmm...)

So my friends, here it is. I give you permission to have both good and bad days. To be perfect and flawed. To be adult and to have child-like tantrums. To feel inspired and uninspired. Feel better?

Here are a few more (no pressure) ideas to help you out when you are feeling uninspired:

1 - Do nothing. Give yourself permission to respect what you are feeling and then let it go.

2 - Sell your family, quit your job, change your name and skip town! (Okay, okay. Maybe not the best solution, but there are moments...)

3 - Go for a walk. Sometimes a bit of physical activity and fresh air can help you gain perspective. Simple but effective.

4 - Skip the junk. While it might be fun to indulge for a day, a month of pizza and beer is going to do nothing but make you feel worse. (I know you know this, but we all have to be reminded from time to time).

5 - Keep a gratitude journal. At the end of each day write down one thing you are thankful for and/or one thing you did "right." Sometimes focusing on what we have rather than what we don't have can also help to put things into perspective.

6 - Talk to someone. Don't be a hero. If you feel awful, say so. Tell the other person they don't have to solve things for you, you just want them to listen. (Again, feeling validated can give you "permission" to feel what you're feeling)

So my friends, whether you are currently inspired or uninspired, I want you to know that you're fabulous just the way you are!

Sharing the journey, Anna

Anna Gordon: On a Journey to Live and Work Out Loud!

Picture - Me and my best buddy enjoying some time in South Dakota last summer

Many of the women I've interviewed mentioned that this process ended up being a wonderful exercise in reflection. Wanting to do a bit of this myself, I asked my friend Lisa Sutton to put together a few questions for me. Thank you Lisa for your assistance. I appreciate it. Here is my own story...

1. What prompted you to start your own business?

Starting a business was something I had always wanted to do. I was one of those enterprising types of kids who was always trying to think of something I could sell to the neighbours (homemade jewelry, lemonade…). Once I even tried to open a restaurant in my bedroom! When I started my company, Inspired Life Career Designs, I felt like I could finally stop holding my breath and get to it already!

2. What did you do before you started your own business?

Before starting my business I put work on hold for a while so I could take some extra time to be with my son. Before my son’s arrival I was the Volunteer Coordinator for Winnipeg Harvest, an Employment Counsellor for at-risk youth and was casually self employed as a Resume Designer. (It’s funny. I always considered myself someone who enjoyed a slower pace, but this doesn’t seem to be true!)

3. Once a person hires you as their career coach, how do you work with them? What issues do you cover?

It really depends on the individual. I often find that people already know what they want, but are afraid to articulate it. In many ways, I feel my job is to ask the hard questions and make it “safe” for people to share their dreams. From that point on, the goal is to develop an action plan to turn those dreams into a reality.

Self marketing also tends to be an area that women struggle with. Women are often afraid to say “yes, I am that awesome!” I help my clients uncover their gifts and then, through resume development and/or interview coaching, help them to market themselves effectively so they can then share those gifts.

4. I love your tagline. What does it mean to you to “work out loud”?

To me working out loud is not so much about what you do but about how and why you do it. I guess it’s the ongoing evaluation of “why do you do what you do?” It’s connecting with contribution by being fully engaged in your work and interactions with others whether you are a street sweeper or a world leader. I believe we can all lead without title and have meaning in whatever we choose to do.

5. What does a “typical” day look like for you?

Now that I’m on the other end of this question, I realize that there are no “typical” days. Some days I wake up rested and ready to take on the world, accomplish lots, help others, am the perfect parent and feel as though life is wonderful. Other days I wake up tired, drink 3 cups of coffee just so I can focus on remembering my own name, feel frustrated, lose my “mother of the year” award and end the day feeling uninspired and a bit defeated. I guess a “typical” day is somewhere in the middle, with my goal always being the first day I described.

6. What do you find most fulfilling about owning your own business?

I love the fact that my work fully represents me and not someone else’s business or interests. I also enjoy having complete business/creative control. If I want to do something I just do it. I don’t need to consult with anyone else first.

7. What part of owning your own business is most difficult for you?

One of the most difficult things for me is finding both the time and money to do all of the advertising/marketing that needs to be done. Constant guilt is another problem. If I’m busy working I feel guilty about not spending enough time with my family. If I’m “hanging out” with my family, I feel guilty about not doing enough work. I know I’m not unique. Almost every woman I speak to seems to suffer from the same dilemma. (Don't worry ladies, this does get a bit better over time...)

8. A concern we hear a lot about these days, especially with women, is work-life balance. How do you manage this issue?

I guess I manage this like most women – the best that I can. More and more I’m starting to think that perhaps there never will be a perfect balance. I am always going to be in conflict with one or the other needing my attention. All I can do is go with it and try to enjoy the ride in the process. I guess for me, I try to “balance” things by setting boundaries according to my own personal values/priorities. If I have plans with my family, these do not get rescheduled for work. If I’m working, I focus on work and not distractions such as surfing the net or hanging out on the phone. My goal is to be fully present in what I’m doing so I can feel content that I’m respecting my time (which we all must realize in not infinite) and giving my best to whatever I’m doing. Other than that, I find that a daily walk outdoors (weather permitting) helps. It's time that helps me to reflect, create and decompress.

9. What advice would you give to other women considering self-employment?

Know yourself. I must admit that self-employment is not for everyone. Many people have “romantic” notions about working for themselves. They assume that it will be easier, when in fact you will probably work harder (and for less money) than you ever have in your life. If that doesn’t scare you away, however, I say go for it!

10. Your website says you’re a book junkie. Any recommendations?

This could be a never-ending list, but for now I would have to say my recommendation is Wishcraft by Barbara Sher. It is my all-time favourite career book. I’ve been telling all my clients, friends and family to read it.

11. What do you consider to be your personal motto?

Hard to say. I guess it would be a combination of “Be the change”, “Share the journey” and “Never stop learning.” Oh yeah and “Work (and live) out loud!”

12. We know you love a good quote. What’s one of your favourites?

“When I care to be powerful -- to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
– Audre Lorde

Heather Racano: Why She Wants You to Speak Up!

Sweating and shaking through her first presentation years ago, who would have imagined that Heather would take that experience and use it to help others. Now as a Public Speaking Coach, Heather helps people face their fear of public speaking so they can share their stories with the world. Here is the story of her journey...

1. What prompted you to start your own business?
Have you ever found yourself sitting at your day job dreaming about what you’ll be doing once the clock struck 4:30? As much as I enjoyed my work, I was even more charged about going home to study speech, write speeches and yes, even practice speaking. To me, having a passion for something means wanting to spend your free time working at that passion and sharing it with others. Once I realized that this passion was one that could create a viable business… I went for it!

2. Why did you choose to focus on public speaking? What do you hope to achieve with your clients?
I can still recall that first time I was asked to give a presentation at work over 8 years ago. I was shaking, sweating and I did the whole presentation in one breath. I must admit, there was one plus… it was over fast! That feeling is as fresh to me today as it was 8 years ago. I want to help others move past that fear and start sharing their message with the world. My firm belief is that EVERYBODY has a message that somebody else needs to hear. There are many barriers for people when it comes to speaking. Our goal should be to break down those barriers and start sharing our voices. As you would put it… start living life and “working out loud”.

3. What does a “typical” day look like for you?
There is no “typical” day and I couldn’t be happier! The beautiful thing about my day is that there is consistency and flexibility all rolled into one. I always get to be the one to send my son off to school and pick him up at 3:45 but everything that happens in between depends on the day. I have 3 aspects to my business. I coach clients working with them on developing their speaking skills. I also offer keynotes and workshops for organizations, and I run group coaching sessions and workshops on public speaking that are designed for both the beginner and advanced speaker. With this variety to my business there is no chance of ever being bored!

4. What did you do in your “former life” (before you started your own business)?
I spent many years in the library services field working with school divisions and the University of Manitoba. I attribute my ability to connect so well with my clients to the training and opportunities that those previous jobs offered me. Our skills from one job to another are always transferable. The key is to actually transfer them! I don’t think I’m the only person who has been caught thinking she has to “start over”. Think of the connections you’ve made in the past. Those connections may be a resource for you in the present and future.

5. When speaking with a lot of women, the common theme is work-life balance. Do you feel you’ve achieved this? Why or why not?
If you asked me yesterday, I would have said “no”. But you asked me today, so my answer is “sometimes." I have developed a new routine that seems to be working. Before January of this year, I was working out of the home. Quite frankly, if one can make this work, I give you props because it is economical, time saving and you can throw a load of laundry in while you close that next deal on the phone. But alas, I was finding it very hard to remain “balanced” while at home. I would work all day, pick my son up, and continue working until 11:00 at night. I now work out of an office and have a “no laptop” rule from Monday to Friday. This means I can’t bring my laptop home during the week. This is not to say I’d never work at home again. If I did though, there would be some rules. No “Ellen” or “Oprah” during the day and email by candle light would have to go!
I strongly believe that if we’re open to reflecting upon where we’re spending our time then we’ll be working towards that illusive work-life balance. Deciding what is most important and making decisions on where to spend our money, time and energy based on that importance is key in feeling good about how we’ve spent our hours during the day.

6. What do you consider to be the best part of your work life?
I am doing what I love and was meant to do. Sincerely.

7. Reflecting upon your self-employment journey, what thing(s) do you wish you could have done differently?
I would wish for something that I don’t know is possible… focus. When I started my business, I wanted to jump in, listen to everybody’s advice, take action and start on a road to success. Well, I was driving so fast on that road that I ran myself over. I was so busy doing what everybody else thought I should do simply because I wasn’t focused enough to KNOW what I needed to do. I’m so thankful for all those in my network who were so giving of their time and wanted to help. They were only trying to be my “roadmap” on this so-called road. In reality though, if you don’t know where you’re going, there isn’t a roadmap out there that can help you! I was in that exact situation. I’m glad to say, I’m on a road that is leading somewhere now.

8. What advice can you give to other women considering self employment?
My reasons for self employment may be different than others. There is no right or wrong reason to start working in your own business. Starting your own business is tough. The entrepreneurial life has many myths and truths to it. Myth: Because you’re doing what you love, you will instantly be living a life of happiness and ease. Truth: Because you’re doing what you love, it will make sticking it out during the tough times worthwhile reaping many rewards!

9. What do you consider to be your personal motto?
Everybody has a message that somebody else needs to hear.

10. I love a good quote. Do you have one you would like to share?
“Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else.” ~ Judy Garland

Sally Lever - Slowing Down to the Speed of Life

After years of doing work that taxed both her emotional and physical well-being, Sally decided it was time for a change. Making a personal commitment to downshifting and sustainability, she finally found a work life that would exist in harmony with her home life. Here is here story...

What prompted you to become a life coach?

I was thinking about returning to work, having taken a few years off to focus on home educating my two children. Since becoming a mother, I had run several small businesses from home and, whilst I had enjoyed each of them, I still had this nagging feeling that I hadn’t found a vocation that was truly “me”. At the time, I was doing some volunteer work, helping to run a support group for local home educating families, and as part of that work I found myself frequently coaching parents in various aspects of home education. This could be anything from how to deal with the local authorities, to coping with a child who was being bullied in school, to relating to their spouse! I loved this part of my volunteer job and, in a moment of revelation, the thought arose “If I could earn money doing something like this, then that would be truly me.” A friend told me that what I did in the support group was known as “coaching” and he put me in touch with someone he knew who was a coach, so that I could find out about training.

Your coaching focuses on downshifting and sustainability. How did you arrive at this specialty?

Downshifting and sustainable living are what I do, the way I live. For me, this way of living feels liberating and meaningful and it has vastly reduced the unhealthy stresses in my life and the lives of my children. It occurred to me that there might be others out there who would like to step off the treadmill too. Also, I wanted whatever niche I chose to be totally authentic for me. I felt this was important, not just for my personal sense of fulfillment but also so that my clients would feel free to talk openly about what are still quite radical and alternative ideas.

How has making the choice to downshift and operate a sustainable small business affected your own life?

Oh, in lots of ways! However, in the interests of brevity, I would say that there are three words that spring to mind immediately: empowerment, authenticity, simplicity. Choosing to downshift, to live and work sustainably have led me to question just about everything I do and the assumptions that society places on us about how we should live and what we should deem important. The result is that I know the choices I’ve made have been from my heart and not out of a need to please others or conform to society’s expectations of me. All of those things – empowerment, authenticity, simplicity – lead to a reduction in stress and an increase in happiness in my world.

What type of work were you doing before you decided to become a life coach?

Before coaching, I had been involved in training and education of one sort or another for about 16 years and before that I worked for large corporations in high technology marketing roles. These were well-paid, high status occupations in exciting, innovative industries, but they were also jobs that I found very stressful and were, at times, detrimental to my emotional and physical health.

What does a “typical” day look like for you?

The day starts early, usually between 5:30 and 6am. I do some yoga, meditation and reading before breakfast and then start work at around 9am. I usually do around 4-5 hours of coaching related work per day. I work mainly from a converted loft room in our house and I work with people from all over the world by telephone, email and Skype mostly. The rest of the day I spend time cooking, gardening or doing household chores. I spend time with my youngest son, who still lives with me, when he comes home from college and wants to chat about his day. I also go out for a walk with my partner most days and this is when we will sometimes shop locally for food or household sundries. I do very little traveling – the occasional local networking meeting or visiting family or friends. One or two evenings per week I have a meeting of some sort, either a meditation group, a Transition Town meeting or a business networking gathering.

At one point you decided to home school your children. What was that experience like? Did you find it difficult to balance your work and home life?

Home educating my children was something that I found immensely enjoyable and fulfilling. They taught me as much about myself and my attitude to education as I taught them. We had a lot of fun and on the whole I found it easier than sending them to school and having to force them to do homework they didn’t want to do. The challenge was to make time for myself and for us to have some time each day apart from each other.

When my children first came out of school they were quite young (8 and 6 yrs) and so I stopped working. I took the first 5 years off work in order to stay at home with them. That was when they were very young and I felt they needed me there full time. As they became older and more independent in their living and learning, I felt ready to return to working, albeit it part time and from home. I was able to do this because they were by then fairly independent learners, but also because their father was happy to share parenting and home education responsibilities with me in such a way that I had some clearly earmarked working hours each week. So, I would say it can take some planning and cooperation in order to balance your home and working life when you’re a home educating parent.

Do you find that most of your clients have common concerns - stress, feeling overwhelmed, no time for family or personal pursuits, etc?

Yes, all of those, together with concern over their health and relationships. Also, that feeling of “Is this really what life’s all about?”

Through your experiences as a coach, have you found that it’s difficult for people to slow down? Why or why not?

It can be a challenge, yes! We are conditioned from childhood to live a rat race existence. That is the problem. That conditioning can go very deep. We are not taught to value our health and well-being, our relationships, our personal and spiritual development. We are led to believe, from a very early age, that we will be valued and approved of for what we can achieve and how much we can accumulate materially, whereas true happiness comes from within, regardless of material wealth, beyond having our very basic material needs met. We can access that only through working on ourselves and on our beliefs on what life is really about. Coaching is about gaining those new perspectives, discovering your true values and learning how to apply what you’ve learned about yourself in your everyday life. That’s the way to achieving the life you dream of.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a sustainable small business?

Build a mutual support network, regardless of your previous experience and work with a coach who specialises in that area.

With the holidays just around the corner, what piece of advice would you give to others to help them slow down and enjoy the season?

1 - Before the holiday, set aside some time to reflect on how you’d like to spend the time, rather than how you think others would expect you to spend it.

2 - Plan some internet/email free time and some TV-free time.

3 - When you’re with others, really listen to them with no distractions.

4 - When you’re on your own, look for opportunities to connect with nature by going for a walk by the sea, in the park or along a river.

5 - Have one day where you plan nothing and follow your intuition.

*You might also like to read my Top Tips for a Sustainable Christmas

What do you consider to be your personal motto?

Live more simply so that others may simply live.

I love a good quote. Do you have one you would like to share?

“Be the change you want to see in the world” Gandhi

Check out Sally's website and newsletter here.

Lisa Sutton: The Makings of a De-Clutter Diva

When Lisa Sutton, M.A., CPC, decided to make the move from non-profit Counselor to self-employed Life Coach, no one was more surprised than her. Now on the path to a life she loves, Lisa shares the story of her journey from overwhelmed office worker to inspired, work-lovin' diva...

What is a Life Coach?

The short answer is that a life coach is a person who works with you as you achieve your goals. I help you decide what your goals are, articulate why these goals are important to you, design an action plan, and then I provide motivation, support and accountability as you work towards those goals.

Life coaching is a weekly or bi-weekly telephone appointment that’s like a “check-in” for you. We discuss what you’ve accomplished, where things didn’t go quite as planned, and we design an action plan for the next week or two, keeping in mind the larger goals that you want to accomplish over the next few years.

For instance, I had a client who came to me for another issue but one of the things that was taking up a lot of mental energy was the fact that she had shelves in the basement that were so cluttered they were unusable. Every time she looked at those shelves she felt guilty. Every time she had an item that would have been better suited to be kept on those shelves she felt angry because she was wasting space. We designed a plan that would help her get those shelves cleared off within a month, doing a little bit every few days. It was so exciting for her when she finally got those shelves cleaned. The sense of accomplishment continues to this day because every time she uses those shelves she feels proud of herself for her accomplishment.

Deciding what your goals are, making an action plan, following through on that plan and celebrating your accomplishment. That’s coaching.

What kind of work were you doing before you became a Life Coach?

I have worked as a counselor in non-profit agencies for the past 14 years. Most recently, before starting my practice, I worked as a Project Coordinator for the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work, an agency that works with people who have physical and mental health disabilities who are seeking employment. I conducted assessments around employment and training, provided referrals, and facilitated workshops on topics such as self-esteem, self-care, assertive language, creating a great first impression, and establishing work/life balance.

Tell me, why are you “The De-Clutter Diva?” How did you arrive at this title?

When I first started coaching, I didn’t have a specific area of expertise, or niche. I was coaching people about whatever they happened to bring to the session. I started to notice a trend where people said that they wanted to reach certain goals but they couldn’t until they de-cluttered something first.

For instance, I’ve met women who wanted to eat dinner with the family but couldn’t figure out where to do it because they hadn’t seen the top of their dining room table in years. Women who want to pursue creative work but don’t because the work table is covered with papers.

In these situations, the clearing off of the dining room table is merely one task in the greater goal of “spending quality time with my family.” Clearing off a drawing table is one of the first steps to “nurture my creative side.”

They say in coaching that your niche chooses you and that was certainly true for me. Helping women de-clutter their lives is definitely something I love to do.

As for how I came up with the name, I’ve always thought the use of alliteration (using the same first letter for all the words) was an attention grabber and the name just came to me one day. I started to imagine the personality of a diva and how sure of themselves divas seem to be. My goal is to have all women feel like divas in their own lives (or goddess or objects to be admired – you can use whatever word or phrase you like!)

On your website, you refer to “mental clutter.” What is mental clutter and why do we need to remove or organize it?

We all know what physical clutter is. It’s “stuff.” Stuff that gets in your way. Stuff that you trip over. Stuff that collects dust.

Mental clutter is the same. It’s “stuff” made up of thoughts. Thoughts that get in the way and cause you to trip. Thoughts like “Oh, I could never do that.” Thoughts like “Things never go right for me. Why should I even try?”

Notice the use of the word “never” in both of these examples. This is what’s referred to as “all or nothing thinking”. This type of thinking is black and white. It’s the belief that if something isn’t perfect, then it’s a complete failure. All or nothing thinking is an example of what psychologists refer to as a “cognitive error.”

There are a number of thinking errors we can make. We can try to predict the future or read someone’s else’s mind. We magnify the negative events and discount the positives. We bombard ourselves with ”shoulds”; those things we feel we should do but really don’t want to.

These thinking errors get in our way. They cause us to avoid trying new things or worry excessively about what others are thinking. Once we learn to identify thinking errors or “mental clutter” we can take steps to clear it away. Then we’ve cleared up some mental energy to use for things we actually enjoy.

Had you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

No, no, no, most emphatically no. I had never, ever considered it as a possibility. I had always imagined myself as working for non-profit agencies. I am not a risk-taking kind of gal. I’ve been to Las Vegas three times and the most I’ve ever gambled is a quarter I found on the floor. I liked the security of full-time pay with holidays and benefits. After many years, though, I began to realize that working for an agency was perhaps not the best for me and that I could do more of the work I love if I were self-employed. Yes, you give up the safety of a regular paycheque but I’ll tell you that at this point I’m so glad I made the choice I made. I’ve learned that I have skills and interests I never knew I had in areas like marketing, networking and writing. There are costs and benefits to every choice and you have to weigh your own personal priorities.

Can you describe how you felt the moment you decided to start your own business?

Scared, excited, terrified, anxious, energized….I think I had every emotion. It took a long time to come to the decision and there were many milestones along the way. The day I paid the tuition for certification as a coach, the day I actually started my coaching course, the day I resigned my paid position, my supervisor asked me stay on at reduced hours and I agreed so I worked a 20 hour week and went to school, the day I resigned my position again. I’m still reaching milestones and feeling all those emotions each time.

I know you are not only a career woman, but a parent. Did having a child change your career path or influence your career decisions?

I think so. When I was on maternity leave I started to brainstorm all the ways I could work from home and have her with me. I didn’t find anything that I felt was really suitable. I knew that I didn’t want to continue working 8:30 to 4:30 at the agency I was at because that job drained the energy that I wanted to save for my daughter, especially if I was going to see her only 2 or 3 hours a day. I’ve found that working from home allows me the flexibility to do some things during the day I wouldn’t ordinarily be able to do (like laundry), and it allows me to give her my full attention in the evenings.

Although you work from home, you are not a full time stay-at-home mom. Do you ever feel that you are being judged for this decision? How do you feel about your decision?

I don’t feel “judged” although people often assume that my daughter stays home with me full-time. There is often surprise when I say that she goes to daycare. I think this is an issue for many people who work from home in that people often assume you’re napping and eating bon bons all day. It’s very true that I have a lot of flexibility but I definitely do work full-time (and sometimes more than full-time!).

My decision was and is completely the right one for me. My daughter (the Diva-ette) has always loved daycare and pre-school and for as much I love being with her, I’ve always been a person who needed to work. Everyone’s choice is a personal one and I feel that, in our family, we made the right one.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself still working from home in a thriving coaching practice. I will have added a couple more certifications to my education although I haven’t made a firm decision on what those might be just yet. When I become more ready to start a new certification within the next two years, I’ll know the right one to choose. The next five years is really about continuing to grow my business.
Do you feel that you have achieved a life-work balance?

I look at work/life balance as being a process rather than a goal and, yes, I do feel as if my process is working for me, at least right now. It took a while to figure out the “rules” I wanted to establish for me and my family but I think we’ve come to a healthy agreement. I work from my home so, of course, the work is always there, calling out to me. For example, one of the boundaries I have set is that I stop work at 5 pm when my husband and daughter come home. Even though some of my clients would like evening appointments, many have said they admire me for putting my family at the top of my priority list. Some of them have even applied the same principle in their own lives! As a coach, this is what I love to see. People living a life that reflects their values. My work is very important to me and I absolutely love it but my husband and daughter are even more important and I try to act in a way that reflects that.

What do you consider to be your personal motto?

Hmmmm…good question. I’ve not really thought of this before. I really like the Nike slogan of “Just Do It.” Often, this is what life comes down to. Do it or don’t. At some point, you need to make a decision.

What advice would you give to someone considering self employment?

Research, research, research. Find out about all the resources there are for entrepreneurs. There are many agencies out there with tons of information regarding financing, marketing, taxes, etc. Set a timeline for when you expect to become self-employed. It’s so easy to keep thinking about it and suddenly you realize you’ve been in the contemplation stage for years. Set a timeline, do your research, make a business and marketing plan, have a business counselor review it and then….jump.

I love a good quote. Do you have a favorite one you would like to share?

One of my favourite quotes is from Maya Angelou. “You did then what you knew how to do. When you knew better, you did better.”

Stop feeling guilt for all the things you could have/should have/would have in your life. Today is your chance to know better and do better. Start right now.

Kal Barteski: Woman on the GO!

Artist and creative soul Kal Barteski shares her GO! perspectives on art, business and life. Here is her story...

I love the name of your company. What inspired you to call it iDeaMonsters?

Truthfully, the story is a little anti-climactic. At the time of starting a business and picking a name I was working with a business advisor that was much more conservative than I was. My goal was strictly to come up with a name that he would hate. iDeaMonsters. But, in the end he loved it and I was happy to be done searching for a name. It's ended up being a powerful choice and I'm happy.

What kind of work were you doing before you became a business owner? Have you always been an artist? (I ask because I have one friend who did not realize her own artistic gifts until she was in her 30s!)

I've been painting and designing and selling my work since I was 13 years old. I've never imagined - even in a daydream - what it would be like to do anything else because there is nothing else that makes me feel as rooted and "at home" as painting. I own a design business - but, first and foremost I am an artist. I've been training with world class instructions since I was 10 years old. I use all types of media because I truly believe that being an artist - transcends brands and canvases - it's about the way you see the world and how you fit into it.

Can you describe how you felt the moment you decided to start your own business?

Relieved and already working. I was 20 years old and had been selling work since I was 13 years old. At the time of starting iDeaMonsters I was still in design college and dreading finding a design firm to "work" for. I have high standards for what I will and won't do in terms of work work and I was nervous about putting in time with clients I couldn't really stand behind. If I'm not 'into' something - I just can't do it. Truthfully, I didn't celebrate or even stop - it was just paperwork to make things official and paperwork is a PAIN IN THE ASS.

Had you always envisioned yourself as an Entrepreneur?

I still don't "envision" myself as an Entrepreneur. That's a strange term for 'making it happen for yourself'. This is just how I am. This is just what I do. I paint, draw, design, create for people. I find opportunities that allow me to practice my craft, in my comfort zone, for a currency that keeps me very, very grateful - peace.

In 2005, you were the recipient of the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award. What was that experience like for you?

It was shocking. And somewhere in the shock - it was very validating to be recognized by a community of peers and women I had the utmost respect for. I have not ever really felt like I was a business person. Especially not one to be recognized for her business. The award was great on so many levels. It afforded me a little bit of room to exhale, look around for a moment, and carry on with more enthusiasm.

In his television special, The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die, Dr. John Izzo uses the phrase, “When You Know, You’ve Got to Go” to describe moments of clarity and/or the moment we discover what it is we are meant to do. When did you know that you “had to go” and create your LoveLife project?

That's hard to answer because the LoveLife project was never borne as a "project". It started out as a challenge TO MY SELF - to simply try to get a little painting done - once a week - on top of all the other business tasks and clients and forces we all deal with in our busy lives. I wanted to do this for three weeks. I emailed the results to my friends and family with the hopes that a public declaration would keep me accountable and I would last the full three weeks. I did it. And I was hooked on the intoxicating feeling of doing something FOR MYSELF. Outside of my own brain, the images were being forwarded and forwarded and more and more people were becoming a part of the journey. LoveLife only became a project many, many weeks after is started and I began to see it's effect on my life (and how it affected others).

Did you expect LoveLife to get the type of attention it received?

No. I did not set out for it to become a "project" so there was no expectations or other weights. It is and was something I did purely for myself when I needed something like it in my life.

I know that in 2007 you became a mom. Do you feel that motherhood has affected your creative process and/or the way you work?

No. Not at all. It's changed the amounts of time I've got to work within... and that has changed a little bit of my attack and conquer. I was surprised and delighted to feel very little internal change and very, very much like myself after the arrival of our little person and very big soul Pilot.

You seem like a lady who has creative wheels that are always turning. Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

I always have something new coming and going. There's always something worth investigation. I am planning an art show for early 2009 and we are also expecting our second little person around the beginning of February 2009. It's going to be full and exciting, but that's the stuff that I like. That's the reason that I'm here.

I noticed that you’ve recently joined the “blogsphere.” What has that experience been like for you?

I started blogging in 2006 and it's been a wonderful way to network with the world. It's allowed me to reach an audience and community that I didn't know existed before. It's allowed me to be supported and exposed to people I wouldn't normally meet. I've made many friendships and absolutely been overwhelmed by the "awesome-ness" of the world wide web. Blogging has been good to me - in many ways.

Do you feel that you have achieved a life-work balance?

I'm honestly not looking for balance. That's not my gig. I'm striving for harmony. I've realized that there's never going to be a place where both spaces are happy at the same time and with the same intensity. I'm not looking for a push and pull - because I've been there and it's hard on my spirit. I act with enthusiasm and purpose. I'm actively and consciously letting both work, play, and self coexist in the same space - BIG as they need to be big, quiet as they need to be quiet. That's more my style.

What do you consider to be your personal motto?

Go!

What advice would you give to someone attempting a creative endeavor?

Stop yakking about it and get into it. I get this question on a daily basis and it becomes annoying very quickly... "where do I start? how did you do this? where do I go from here?" JUST DO SOMETHING. MOVE. GO. SHAKE. BE. Follow your passion. And if that doesn't work DO SOMETHING ELSE. Get to it. I can't tell you how that will work or where the process will take you - but, I can tell you that if you don't do anything you don't move anywhere.

Amen Kal. Amen to that!

*Please visit Kal's Blog to see her most recent works - some beautiful photography, a new developing art collection, and a growing family (her daughter Pilot is soon to be a big sister!).

Darci Adam: Breathe, Create, Transform

Artist, Counsellor, Healer, Teacher, and now Business Owner, Darci Adam is a lady on a quest. A quest to help you Express Yourself through Art Therapy. Here is her story...

What does an Art Therapist do?

Art therapy and the expressive arts (movement, writing, drama, and music) can be used in a myriad of ways to address a variety of issues in children, youth and adults. Expressive arts therapy is the combined use of various art forms to amplify one’s understanding of oneself and to improve one’s life. Art therapy allows us to access unconscious knowing in problem solving in an experiential way. It is an ideal and necessary mode of communication for any individuals who feel trapped by their feelings or situation and find that either they are unable to speak the words or words cannot adequately express their experience. The results are often surprising and enlightening to the participants.

What did you have to do to become an Art Therapist?

I have Masters’ degrees in Drama and Educational Psychology (Counselling) and took a post-master’s diploma program in Art Therapy. It is also possible to take a Master’s in Art Therapy having completed undergrad work in fine art or psychology.

How did you discover art therapy? Had you always wanted to do this type of work?
Originally I wanted to be a drama therapist, however, at that time the training was only available in the United States and it was very expensive. I chose to begin with a drama degree from the University of Winnipeg, but found I was most fascinated by the use of all of the expressive arts (drama, music, art, writing, etc.) as tools for healing.

What were you doing before you became an Art Therapist?

I have worked in education for my entire career in some capacity. I began as an English/Drama teacher and taught in a train-in/fly-in community in Ontario called Moosonee. I have also done several adult education contracts including teaching educational assistants in Waglisla, BC and offering a job re-entry training program for women in Netley, Manitoba. Along the way, I became a school counselor. At the time I decided to formalize my art-therapy training I was working at New Directions in the Training and Resources for Females Program. I found art the absolute best way to communicate with adolescents who had experienced multiple traumas. While my teaching and counseling experience was primarily at the high school level initially, when I graduated from art therapy I took a position at the elementary level and have found art, expressive arts, and play therapy tools essential in my work with children. I also provide art therapy at the Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre in a program for children who have witnessed family violence.

Who can benefit from art therapy?

Everyone! Art-making provides a link to the unconscious allowing us to discover and express previously unknown facets of ourselves. Facilitated art-making is also very relaxing. The treatment plan will look very different depending on the intended outcome of the therapy. For both young people and adults, a diagnosis will frame the course of treatment. I have used art and play with people with a whole range of diagnoses including ODD, PDD, ADHD, OCD, Anxiety and Depression. Art therapy has also proven effective for people working through separation and divorce, grief, and life transitions. In any kind of therapy the relationship to the therapist is a curative factor, and it is part of my life’s work to stay well, open and inspired to facilitate health and wellness in others.

What do you hope this type of therapy can do for you and others?

Art therapy and the expressive arts help people access their deepest truths and reflect on their lives in a lively, beautiful, and thought-provoking way. Self-expression can bring joy and relief for struggling individuals. It is a very respectful therapy which proceeds at the pace of the participant. Because it is experiential it also assists people in listening and understanding the wisdom of their own bodies in an integrated way with mind and spirit.

You’ve recently opened your own consulting business Express Yourself. What inspired you to do this? Tell me a bit about the types of services you offer through your company.

Expressive arts work is exactly what I want to be doing at this time of my life. I feel very well qualified to do it, and I see the results are so powerful for children, youth and adults. I am also very excited about the training and supervision work I am doing with other therapists and school counselors. I cannot imagine being a school counselor without these tools. I believe art and play are essential communication tools for children and adolescents. For adults, their own surprise and excitement about the process is what inspires me. This process inspires people and provides hope.

As a therapist, I provide individual and group therapy as well as special events to honor and celebrate personal, seasonal and global transformation. At St. Norbert Arts Centre we celebrate seasonal changes through equinox and solstice celebrations wherein a variety of different therapeutic modalities are available at these times. Celebration is an essential aspect of healing.

Had you always planned to be an Entrepreneur?

I actually never really thought of being a therapist as even being an entrepreneur, until a friend said I really should take the course at the Women’s Enterprise Centre. As I began to take programs there, I learned I had a lot to learn about running my own practice!

So far, what has been the best part of starting your own business?

I am totally thrilled to be working in the expressive arts because I believe in the process. I have done training in this area throughout my career through various workshops, degrees and tons of reading, so this is like the culmination of my life’s work to this point. It inspires me to do the work! As for the business aspect of things, I am relying on hope and lots of energy!

What has been the most difficult part of starting your own business?

I would have to say that all aspects of actually running the business are new to me and thus provide a learning curve.

What advice would you give to someone else considering self employment?

Don’t quit your day job! I say this with a smile because that is how I have approached this, although I know many people are bigger risk takers than I. I don’t really feel in a position to give advice on entrepreneurship because I am so new to this. I would say follow your dreams and your passion all along the way because inevitably you’ll end up there in the long run. Get out of your own way!

When speaking with most women, work-life balance is a common theme. Do you feel you’ve achieved a work-life balance? Why or why not?

I rely on self-care “supports” to lead a happy life. Massage, Network Chiropractic, meditation, yoga, daily exercise and connections with friends and family help me to balance the demands of a busy life, as well as doing the work that I love to do. Sometimes I find myself not knowing what time or day it is because it is all so good!

At its core, why do you do what you do?

This work allows my “essential self” to show up in the world. As a kid I loved drama, storytelling, dancing, and putting on shows. That spirit and instinct in me was irrepressible. I felt alive doing those things. At my core, I am a very passionate and compassionate person. Expressive arts therapy allows me to tap deep into my own well of strengths and talents. It’s really, really fun and so satisfying to see the positive impact it can have on the lives of children, youth and adults. I love it!

What do you consider to be your personal motto?

La vie est belle! Just do it!

I love a good quote. Do you have a favorite quote that you would like to share?

This is one of my favorites as I feel it describes the perspective I bring to the world:

“Like water be gentle and strong. Be gentle enough to follow the paths of the earth and strong enough to rise up and change the world.” By Brenda Patterson