Over the last few weeks I've given a lot of thought to what I was doing with my life. Would I continue to live everyone else's dreams? Or would I begin to flesh out my own and work towards making them reality? I spoke to very few people in my immediate circle about this. It was something I needed to work on my own.
The one thought that's kept me focused (i.e. wouldn't let me go back to an industry I didn't like anymore just to collect a paycheck) is that in the past 2 years I discovered that I absolutely love living a creative life. And that being happy at work was like not working at all. Seriously, after years of managing, promoting, marketing, and writing about creative people and making their dreams reality, while simultaneously downplaying myself and my skills, something finally clicked. I want the creative freedom I helped other people have. I've decided to tend to myself and my needs first. Not only for my own sanity, but also to be able to truthfully say to my kid that she should follow her dreams. To do that, and feel good about it, I can't be half-assed about mine. It's important to lead by example.
So I gave a lot of thought to what I love. I love the business of fiber arts. I love working with and talking to unique and inspiring women (and the occasional man) everyday. I dig talking to the reps and the process of deciding what to stock. I love working in a shop, but at the end of the day it's not my shop.
I believe in the power of intention. If you put your intentions out in the world and believe in them, you begin the process of manifestation. I also believe its time to get out of my own way, stop being hesitant, step outside of my comfort zone and do what obviously needs to be done. And so, in that spirit, the time has come for me make my intentions known. I want to create a successful fiber arts business. I want to own a yarn shop with fun classes and interesting workshops. I want to create a growing community of fiber enthusiasts. I want to teach more classes, design more patterns, learn to spin and dye yarn, try my hand at weaving, and write a book. And I want my secret project to be successful beyond my wildest dreams.
There. That wasn't so hard. Feels good to say it to someone other than myself. Now the fun part starts. I'm excited by the possibilities.




Sometimes the most difficult thing to overcome is our own inertia. Declaring our intentions makes it harder for us to backslide into complacency. Good luck with your secret project and moving forward.
Posted by: Sara | Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 02:19 PM
Oddly enough, I just ran across that book last night. I hadn't quite finished reading it and know that I need to. I, too, need to focus on my intention, stop working for a paycheck alone and follow my creative pursuits.
Posted by: Qusan | Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 02:28 PM
If you want this, I know you will make it happen!
The Westside needs something exactly like what you've described.
And....if you need some help along the way, give me a shout.
Posted by: Ellen | Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 07:51 AM
Shannita,just want to say I SO hear you. I believe that when you get clear and honest, no matter how afraid of your own dream you may be, the Universe will clear the way for you to have what you want. It's your birthright.
And I for one am seriously looking forward to being a part of YOUR fiber community.
Love your blog.
C
Posted by: carla | Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 08:47 AM
OK...I want to know WHO sent you that paragraph out of my journal?
Posted by: tllgrrl | Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 12:33 PM
Good for you!!! I have been having the hardest time sleeping lately and was up at 4:00am a couple of nights ago thinking. Clear as day, three goals came to me and I immediately wrote them in my journal. Now I just need to get out of my way and allow them to happen. I'm right there with you and you KNOW that I would be a faithful member of your community:-)
Posted by: Deena | Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 12:36 PM