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Prada LuggageIf you thought getting 50 Ways to Kick Ass Without Kicking Your Own Ass on Amazon was my big news for the year, get ready for the whopper.

I’ve been wanting to tell you about this for a few weeks now—but as it keeps evolving, I keep revising.

Enough! It’s time to spit it out and then keep you posted on what happens.

Change. Big Change on the horizon—well, February to be precise. The kind of Change that keeps my mom awake at night (sorry, mom!)

Think: rent out house for a year.
Think: one-way ticket to Mexico.
Think: anything is possible.

Following the desire to hit the reset button…
To explore.
To discover.
To learn.

Both externally: explore other places, 
discover cool stuff I have no idea exists, 
learn spanish.

And internally: explore my Soul’s desires, 
discover what I’ve been afraid to look at,
learn how to live bigger.

Following many sparks

There are so many sparks that got this idea rolling—but listing them all is not what this post is about. Instead, I’ll highlight one spark, a spark that was in the form of a question.

A month ago, I was listening to a podcast—The Accidental Creative with Todd Henry—and he asked:

Is your life structured in such a way as to support your Soul Work?  (He didn’t phrase it quite like that, but that was the question I wanted to answer.)

When I looked at my commitments, my schedule, how much time I spend writing and creating I had to be honest. The answer was “No.” (Optional: see below for reenacted conversation following this No-answer regarding How I might proceed.)

Ok, ok, of course we can’t all go galavanting about and being heathens all the time, I know, I know.

That Heathen Argument is bullshit

But here’s the thing. That Heathen Argument is bullshit (just like the title says).

It’s steeped in that ridiculous puritanical work ethic that will Never Ever justify relaxation, enjoyment, or having fun.

I’ve allowed that argument to keep me in a certain pattern that results in about an hour of soul-based work per day. In case it needs to be said, This Is Ridiculous. My soul-based work is Why I Walk This Earth.

Leg RoomierThe rest of my day is taken up by various responsibilities and commitments—most of which are good.

But you know what, I’m ready for Great. I’m ready for Fantastic. I’m ready for a life that busts my heart wide open and has plenty of space for my wings to stretch out and Fly—and they’ve been cramped to my sides for quite a while now…

Could I make changes without turning my life upside down? Call this a time management issue? Maybe. BUT WHY? Why splash into a puddle when you can dive into the ocean?

Another thing about that Heathen Argument bull-crap-ola. It’s based on the assumption that, given free rein, you’ll make stupid decisions.

I know myself now.

I know that “heathen” is just not something I do. Given free reign, my Soul gets to come out and play even more. And just like yours, my Soul is Wise, Compassionate, desiring of connection, i.e. it’s not likely to lead me toward being an asshole.

My Soul desires to leave the world a better place than I found it; to help as many people as possible live more aligned with their own Soul’s desires; to cut through the abundance of crap in the world and pare down to what’s important, i.e. to simplify.

For me, the Heathen Argument is nothing short of Fear in disguise.

Which brings us back to the Big Announcement. I’m going on the road. Maybe for three months, maybe a year, maybe more.

Sally forth and prosper!

My intention is to:

  • explore ever more deeply what it means to listen to my Heart and Soul.
  • remove everything from my life that does not support my life as a joyful being.
  • birth the Natural Professional Program.
  • explore the rich world of co-working and innovative collaborations.
  • meet people.
  • learn to speak Spanish. Heck, why not?

Interjet Plane leaving From CancunI’ll begin in Mexico, in San Miguel de Allende for a writing and meditation retreat at the Shambala Meditation Center with Susan Piver.

And then… as the Italians say, “chissà” meaning, “who knows?”

Except I’m not going to Italy, I’m going to Mexico and probably Central America. Anyways… Like I said at the beginning, my understanding of what this could be and where this might head evolves daily.

Now then.

Your turn.

If you are willing.
If you dare.
If you have an inkling to do so…

Consider embarking upon a journey to listen to your own Wise-Self.

Hint: this is not a 3-minute, or even 3-hour exercise. It’s a journey that you can embark upon in the comfort of your current life. You do not, I repeat: do not, have to rent out your house and buy a one-way ticket to Mexico. (But give me a call if you do, eh?)

The two primary questions to get you on your way being:

  1. What does your most awesome Soul expression feel like?
  2. Are your thoughts, activities, goals and commitments aligned to support this feeling?

    3. (If you are interested in some serious exploration of your Soul’s Core Desires, and turning goal setting on its head, check out Danielle LaPorte’s Desire Map. (I’m digging it so much, this is an affiliate link.)

    That’s pretty much what I have for you right now. I’m taking suggestions for awesome places and great peoples to meet in Mexico and Central America. Frequent flyer miles would be welcome, too. Just saying.

    Until soon,
    XO
    Shawn

     

    Optional and additional material

    Reenacted conversation between my Wise-Self and me.

    When I really started digging into the question, “How can my life be structured to support my Soul Work,” my Wise-Self chimed in:

    W-S: “Do you really want to go there, Dear?”

    Me: “Yes. How can I be encouraging others to Listen deeply and do their heart-based work if I’m not doing it 100%?”

    W-S: “That reason is for other people. Answer for yourself. Are you ready to listen? Because me-thinks you are ready to hear it.”

    Me: “Hear what?”

    W-S: “Can you sense that hint of Big Space? Where your greatest potential thrives? Where vibrancy and joy is like the air you breathe?”

    Me: “Yes! That’s what I want more of!”

    W-S: “That’s a glimmer, and I’m mean the tiniest sliver of a glimmer, of a Whole New World, Dear.”

    Me: “How do I get there? What do I do? What do I need to change?”

    W-S: “Time to let go of the reins. All this work of meditation and seeking Silence has been in preparation for you to stay in your heart.*”

    Me: “Hmmm, it’d be kinda cool to explore this out on the road…”

    W-S: “Why not? The only one stopping you is yourself.”

    Me: “You mean I can just go?”

    W-S: “Write down every reason you can possibly think of that could keep you from traveling extensively. And then tell me if any of them justify your staying.”

    (As you are reading this post, you’ll know that none of those reasons were big enough to say no.)

    * Martha Beck articulates this space of “Wordlessness” beautifully in her book: Finding Your Way in a Wild New World.

Birthday CakeEetz my birthday!

It’s the first day of the rest of my life. The First Year of the New Way, My New Way of Working, My New WOW.

Indeed it’s been building up lately. I’ve noticed less pushing. Less demanding in the wee hours. More awareness of staying in a healthy place.

And… still finding the right amount of commitment to go along with the right flow. Too little and I get tweaky, too much and I get heady. A lovely path in between is what I seek, thank you very much.

And the big news, the gift from the Universe, from my Soul, to this rocky pathed life o’mine… an understanding of my role.

Sure I’m CEO of Natural Professional and Project Simplify… I’d tried calling myself a Simplifier and while that is true, ’tis not the Role that places me contextually with others.

Nope, I’m a Content Creator. A simple title. It sounds like such a, well… “Duh” Moment.

But here it is, a statement to the world, to myself. To remind my future self that the pivotal moment occurred this weekend at the completely-adored birthday Hot Springs trip.

While looking to release everything and relax, still, I found myself asking at the beginning of the soaking day, “It is the beginning of a new year. What’s your intention for this weekend, Dear?”

And how did I respond? What did I ask? To anchor in my Self. To know who I am and what I’m doing so thoroughly, that should ever I stray (and ’tis inevitable!) homecoming will be swift and fairly uneventful.

No Big Weekends or Big Realizations will be required to bring me back. No major journeys and weird little lessons/reminders to get me back. No.

Instead, through the daily practice, I will remember. I will experience what it is, this purpose, this journey, this life. And do so through being, joyfully, a Content Creator.

Mostly of works pertaining to Simplifying—both for personal growth and productivity—but not exclusively. Anything that comes from this sacred place of creation.

I get to be a Creator. Oh Joy!

What I had inherently believed to be the “icing on the cake” and the “if you still have time after the real work” turns out to be the main course. Who knew?

What a life of self-deprivation I’d been living. Good Gawd. Absurdity. This perception of what work in this world is supposed to look like, feel like.

And the only, and I mean ONLY place to get and grant acceptance is within. In other words, this has everything to do with my relationship with myself.

And, thus, your relationship with yourself. And why would you be so withholding from yourself?

I’d been running on the strategy of “Save the good stuff for a special occasion!” Do you live on this belief?

I call Bullshit. It’s a recipe for Life Disaster.

Use your best China for your breakfast burrito. Wear your favorite shirt to the cafe for your morning coffee. Put the entire avocado on your toast on top of a liberal spreading of butter.

Practice the guitar before work (not after). Go to your favorite restaurant on a Wednesday night (not just on your birthday).

Write what you want to write. Sing what your heart moves you to sing. Don’t do what you’re Supposed To Do if you don’t LOVE it. Whatever it is…

What do you need permission to do?

Because NOW is an incredibly precious special occasion.
YOU are the special occasion.
YOUR Life is the special occasion.

Later doesn’t really exist so F— It. Do it now and love every sweet second of it.

Tomorrow is the day you get to do it again, so make sure whatever you’re doing is worth repeating.

That is my Birthday Wish for you.

XO
Shawn

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Photo credit: Birthday Cake by chidorian

Mistakes happen.

Oh how we wish they didn’t. They take time, energy and sometimes a hit to the ego to correct properly.

They can also be great sources of lessons, if we let them.

Here’s a story about how a natural professional can stay in her power and do her darndest to own up to her mistakes with grace and ease.

OK, so the truth of the matter is that this story is a rather recent occurrence in the life of yours truly.

The first thing you should know is that the natural professional core program which is sanctioned by the Divine Soul-Based Gift Manifestation Bureau, is in super secret lab mode. You’d have to sneak in through my morning coffee or tea to be privy to this and, well, that’d just be too weird.

While I know it’s in development—and am THRILLED with its progress—there’s a part of me that wants it out in the world about 783 days ago. (Hello, Impatience!!)

So when I met a lovely woman who’s practicing all kinds of natural professional core principles, let’s just say that I got all excited.

Here’s my chance to bring the NP to the streets—who cares that it’s not ready yet (red flag alert!)

It was clear we wanted to work together somehow and since my NP offering wasn’t clear, I didn’t present it with clarity (surprise!) In fact, it felt kinda like a fish flopping around in a mud puddle.

And since I was unclear, and rapidly becoming more confused about what my role ought to be, I started looking to her for answers (double red flag alert!)—as if she could know what the best situation could be without adequate input from me.

Now, none of this was all that clear at the time; I’m taking advantage of some serious hind-sight glasses here.

So she started throwing out ideas based on what limited info she had about me and the next thing I know, I agree with what she proposes even though it’s a pale shadow to what I could offer her, which leaves me feeling pigeon-holed into roles from years long gone by.

I know, I know, there are so many things amiss here that it’s borderline absurd. Let me tell ya, it was one week of a very rough head space.

What was going on?!? I’m not entirely sure. All I can say is that it was very confusing in the moment.

And then I saw The Pattern. Oh sadly I’d been there before. I’d given over the power to define my place to another person and then began to believe that’s what I was all about. Whenever I spoke up, the person in the past situation said “No! You are not this, you are that.”

And the worst part is that I let her tell me what I was about. I stuck around. I didn’t heed the red flags. I got screwed.

Oh, happy hind-sight glasses! There you are! Patterns continue until you stop ’em, eh?

We all have our challenges, our issues. One of my lifelong challenges (you may have guessed by now) has been around self-expression: speaking up for myself, communicating what I know to be true, articulating something I sense.

The problem in business with this manifests in the discrepancy between what I sense to be possible (which is what I want to be doing) and what is possible (as indicated by experience).

There are probably a gazillion creatives and entrepreneurs who have similar challenges, because we are always growing, always trying out new ways. The trick is in being able to acknowledge and accept the truth of right now while exploring the new.

Perhaps t’would be wise to keep 75% of one’s being in the tried and true and to allow 25% to experiment with solidifying new inklings. (Of course this is the benefit of being bankrolled—you can flip these two numbers!)

Because with this awareness of how far along my new thing actually it, I can respond appropriately. I can own up to what is needed in the situation based on what I know of my experience.

Which is exactly what I plan to do here (doh! Yup, it’s that current.) Open a conversation with:

  1. Acknowledging what I had been hoping to do (provide a service prematurely)
  2. Acknowledging what she’s needing right now.
  3. Presenting what I’m willing to do, that I’ve done before and can articulate with clarity and confidence, and what that could look like.

This may seem completely “Well, duh, Shawn.” And to think how much headache and soul-ache I’d have avoided if I had gone straight to this brilliant plan…

That’s just the nature of life, eh? In our enthusiasm, we try something new, flop mightily, and then get the wonderful opportunity of cleaning up.

Moral of the story, part I
Try new things. Stretch. Venture out of your comfort zone. And know that screwing up is just fodder for more trust and/or understanding.

Moral of the story, part II
Giving over your power to someone else is sooooo last decade. Seriously.

Lego BricksI don’t think I’ve mentioned this on the blog before, but I Love (capital L) the smarts and style of Naomi Dunford of Ittybiz.com.

If you’ve ever put yourself in the somewhat frequently awkward position of starting your own business, you may well appreciate her good sense as I do.

If you were on her newsletter list, you’d have received an email today about Amazon reviews, and more specifically, the complaints readers leave about business books.

The book in question is Chris Guillebeau‘s The $100 Start-Up. (Chris being my other current Love (capital L) fixation for creating and hosting the World Domination Summit and being an incredibly humble, kind, and generous human being.)

In his book, he profiled some 100 businesses that have made at least $50K and got going on a Shoe String.

Without putting Naomi’s entire article here (she doesn’t seem to post newsie emails on her website), which would be long as well as unethical, the moral of the story is: The Complainers said they wanted more details.

In her email, Naomi points out that in her experience, if she gets into super-duper, nitty-gritty details, then one of two things is likely to happen:

  1. a large portion of the info won’t be relevant to many readers since every case is different, and/or
  2. when you break it down into those little steps, people then reply, “Duh, I knew that.”

She asks: What details do you WANT?

Great question.

What details do you really want to know?

I thought that if I could ask her for specific details, what kind would they be?

Would they be about getting started?
No. I’ve got the website, the email program and other tech services to handle what I need.

Would they be about defining my peeps?
Not-so-much. I know my tribe is typically creative, entrepreneurial types struggling with getting stuck in their own personal quagmires.

Would they be about defining how I’m helping them?
Ditto on the not-so-much. Private coaching, eCourses, small group coaching, RAP Session, newsletter, blog.

Would the questions be about finding and connecting with my peeps?
Yes. Though I know what I should be doing: blogging, guest blogging, networking, social media, and joining forces with other entrepreneurs.

That said, I’ve been doing so much reading, listened to so many calls, and have sat through so many classes that I don’t actually want more details here. I’ve got details coming out of my ears.

So then I ask myself, if it isn’t more details I need, then
What’s In the Way From Me Doing It??

Ah-ha.

The answer isn’t as clear cut as you’d like

The answer here is a (sarcastically) lovely pile of doo primarily involving the all-to-common demon called Confidence or lack thereof.

Two things here:

  1. I know I’m not the only one with this issue.
  2. This is a different question altogether from the details stuff.

Sure we need guidelines and it’s certainly incredibly helpful to know what other trailblazers have done before.

But at a certain point, you’ve gotta just dig in your heels and Give It Go.

Making the Switch to Action

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed that it can be hard to make the switch between Learning and Taking Action.

It’s awkward, it’s hard, we don’t know if we’re doing it right, we compare ourselves with those who’ve mastered it and then feel like a failure.

It’s a lot easier (so we think) to keep learning and not take action.

The kind of details someone who is stuck in Non-Action wants are impossible to come by.

I think that when people say they want more details, what they’re often saying is: “I need something else but I don’t know what.”

Our culture has placed such a huge emphasis on the rational, the understandable, the dissectable.

We like to think that when we know how something works, then we can follow in those footsteps.

You are more than a pile of Legos

The problem with this model is that we are complex human beings with a lifetime of emotional patterning swimming in a pool of uncertainty.

We aren’t Spirit of St. Louis Lego kits.

As much as we want to think that our self-image, core beliefs, values, and confidence are what the Crazy Woo-Woos worry about, these are exactly the things to look for when the pain of Non-Action hits.

And here’s the thing:
Words and details work for the logical, they don’t work for the other stuff.

What does work is compassion and understanding.

The logical direction for this post would be toward inviting more compassion into your life, but that would make for an epically long read and really, it deserves plenty of attention on its own.

For now, let’s go with this reminder:
When you feel stuck, practice kindness with yourself.
This kind of love melts fear.

And remember, you don’t need to make all the resistance disappear—
just enough to take the next step.

I’ll wrap up by answering Naomi’s Call for Answers.

My short answer to Naomi

Dear Naomi,

I realize I didn’t really answer your question: “What details do I want?” but you did post two other questions in your email:

So what’s the solution? What is my entire industry getting wrong here?

My response: The acknowledgement that

  • the underlying need under the request of “more details” is to be validated,
  • the details (the logical) want to be accompanied by nurturing (the other stuff).

How does that translate into the info you provide? Hmmm… You’re a smart cookie (ref. first paragraph) and I’m sure you’ll figure it out. I’d totally be happy to brainstorm with you, too.

XO
Shawn

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Photo credits: Lego Bricks by bdesham

Spirit of St. Louis from brickset

wds2012-470“Whips, chains and black leather?” a waitress asked when I told her I was in Portland for the World Domination Summit (WDS).

“No… Not this year, ha ha. But really, it’s for entrepreneurs, creatives and online biz peeps writing their own ticket, making waves and putting good work out in the world” was my description.

That seemed to satisfy most people I told, but still, it felt a little odd being left to interpret the name of this conference for myself.

It’s really quite a masculine notion: to conquer, to exercise control over something/one. I mean, we’re moving into an era of collaboration—where does domination come into that?

That said, I’ve definitely been known to joke about dominating the world with the Good. And on occasion, I do appreciate that kind of energy stirred up by this notion whenever Fear reaches his steely fingers toward me or Courage is hiding in the closet.

As far as globally… I guess World Harmony Summit might not carry the same oomph?

Full event run-downs aren’t my forte and world traveler Jodi Ettenberg of LegalNomads.com wrote a great piece about the weekend: Untangling the Lessons Learned at WDS 2012. Thanks, Jodi!

What the rest of this post will be about Changing the World, of course.

You know how when you finally own your vision and commit to it, there’s this feeling that you’ve been playing with a toy shovel instead of moving mass with a bulldozer. Or cautiously dipping your toe in the water instead of diving in with a splash and a big “WaaaHoooo!!!”.

The experiences last weekend shined light on a part of me that’s been playing small.

I’ve been dreaming Big… But not talking and acting in a way to match that big vision.

I haven’t been Daring Enough.

I’ve been talking about working easier, being mindful, being honest with oneself and working from a place of Good. But what have I not been saying?

We are Paradigm Shifters. Straight up.

We already know that we’re fed up with the fallout of greed-based values promoted in our systems. There is no reason to continue accepting what the powers-that-be are dishing out.

Except that… We don’t know what to DO differently.

The awesome news: that’s great!

We don’t have to figure it all out, and in fact, we cannot. We don’t need to come up with some super complicated game plan. We don’t have to rack our brains for new and innovative solutions.

Shit, solutions for most of the ills in the world already exist. Gaining access to distribution and public support in the face of institutionalized propaganda is the issue.

Instead, it’s time to BE different. The paradigm will shift when we actively honor the values that we truly desire as human beings—those based on love.

When there is critical mass we will have achieved the shift.

Do you realize what this means? It’s merely a question of numbers. Of enough people committing to themselves, their families, their businesses, their communities that they are going to be in the world differently.

I had thought that my role was to help people orient to the new paradigm. How to be in the world differently—i.e. compassion, personal responsibility, respect, sustainability, and well-being serving as the foundation of any endeavor.

Here’s my own shift: my role is to support and inspire people to live the new paradigm.

I get to curate, cultivate and create the tools, perspectives, and strategies that will lead people to solid success and be in full integrity with their heart and the greater good.

What exactly does this look like? Shit, I don’t know. But here’s the cool thing. Rather than be discouraged by this lack of specificity, I see opportunity for collaboration—and I am thrilled about this!!!

What I do know is that the Natural Professional is a resource for camaraderie, support, and strategies. A place to bounce ideas, to explore values, to fan the flames of inspiration. A place to lick wounds when the going gets rough or discouragement strikes. A well-spring of practical wisdom.

And this is my starting point post-WDS. The seeds I’m planting are to support and inspire the Paradigm Shifters.

It will happen. Ben says so.

wds2012-880I’ve got $100 posted next to my monitor. The image of Ben Franklin and the four “100”s emanating the powerful energy of Faith, Courage, Permission, Encouragement as well as the unstoppable force of 1000 Fellow Change Makers dedicated to making a difference.

The money is from conference mastermind Chris Guillebeau, author of the $100 Startup. As the conference finale, he eloquently charged us to take action. To invest in what we believe in.

He then gave every paid ticket holder an envelope with a $100 bill in it (we’re talking a mind-blowing $100,000 investment in the attendees). I thank him from the bottom of my heart for this action of faith.

Whew. Not sure where to go after that. Every time I open up to the power of Chris’ gesture, I’m practically speechless. And then I think, what if this level of support were felt by everyone following their heart? Doing what they know to be true and right for them? Acting from a place of respect for the good peeps living across the globe.

That’s worth dedicating my life to.

I did this video a couple of days ago. It’s about the 3 (actually 4) things I’m particularly grateful for post-WDS. There’s also the practical part of maintaining the fire of passion.


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Photo credits: Armosa Studios
See the full WDS2012 photo set on Flickr

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My Birthday Wish For You

By on November 5, 2012

Eetz my birthday! It’s the first day of the rest of my life. The First Year of the New Way, My New Way of Working, My New WOW. Indeed it’s been building up lately. I’ve noticed less pushing. Less demanding in the wee hours. More awareness of staying in a healthy place. And… still finding […]

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Stretch, Screw-up, Repair, Repeat

By on October 1, 2012

Mistakes happen. Oh how we wish they didn’t. They take time, energy and sometimes a hit to the ego to correct properly. They can also be great sources of lessons, if we let them. Here’s a story about how a natural professional can stay in her power and do her darndest to own up to […]

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Lego's Spirit of St. Louis

The Details Dilemma

By on July 20, 2012

I don’t think I’ve mentioned this on the blog before, but I Love (capital L) the smarts and style of Naomi Dunford of Ittybiz.com. If you’ve ever put yourself in the somewhat frequently awkward position of starting your own business, you may well appreciate her good sense as I do. If you were on her […]

Continue Reading
wds2012-470

WDS Gems

By on July 15, 2012

“Whips, chains and black leather?” a waitress asked when I told her I was in Portland for the World Domination Summit (WDS). “No… Not this year, ha ha. But really, it’s for entrepreneurs, creatives and online biz peeps writing their own ticket, making waves and putting good work out in the world” was my description. […]

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